A1c Proud

Last week, I met with my Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). I see her biannually and always look forward to our appointments. She is not only a CDE but a nutritionist as well. She also plays the role of therapist & friend very well in addition to her clinical duties.

She emailed me a week before our appointment to reschedule for 40 minutes later at which point I requested she get orders for an A1c test. I haven’t seen my endo since February and due to a scheduling snafu on my end, won’t see him again until October. Because I came off my pump six months ago & have been on Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) since, I wanted that snapshot of “how I’m doing.”

During my appointment we discussed the graphs I brought in from information I got from my Dexcom, my glucometer and the app I use to track insulin. We also discussed how I can get back into the gym. Not having a pump in which to control my basal rates has been giving me a fair amount of anxiety when it comes to exercise. But I’m also currently dealing with some body image issues and I know getting back in the gym will alleviate those somewhat. We made a plan and I’m actually quite excited to get my body moving again!

We also took time to discuss where I am at mentally & emotionally. She’s aware of what’s going on in my personal life and she genuinely likes to make sure I am well on all levels. Maybe this is because I’ve been seeing her since my diagnosis ten years ago and that initial diagnosis was concurrent with the end of my first marriage (Diagnosis, 4/27. Official separation, 4/29). I was so broken then. So fundamentally broken at my very core. Diabetes & mental health being intertwined was a lesson I learned the hard way very early on.

Then, at the end of my appointment, we discussed my A1c results. Last check was a 6.4. It induced happy tears right in the office as it was my first snapshot off my pump. I let her know both Ryan & I had guessed it would be 6.7 this time but I also let her know I was prepared for a 7.0. Well, we were both wrong. It was STILL a 6.4! Cue more happy tears and high praise from my doctor. But she still focused more on the straight lines on my overnight graph and how well I was managing my disease in the face of some current adversities. She has always made me feel like I am MORE than what my numbers say.  I am grateful that I have a clinician that values the whole picture. She would’ve praised my management even if my A1c came in above goal. She doesn’t chastise and she doesn’t shame. She validates and guides me in this journey. I know so many of my fellow PWD aren’t so lucky.

In the days following my appointment, I have seen some in the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) discussing A1c. The discussion has mostly revolved around how it’s not a valid or accurate measure of someone’s management. For some reason (um, because I’m me!), I have taken this personally even though I KNOW this was never the intent.

The A1c target for a Type 1 Diabetic is a 7.0 per the ADA. My lowest ever (3 months after diagnosis – I blame/credit The Divorce Diet) was a 5.9. My highest was a 9.4. Due to simply being the person I am, I choose to use my A1c and my appointments with my endocrinologist/CDE as both motivation and validation. I know others don’t view it this way, and that’s totally their business and I respect it.

With all that said, I have accepted that numbers run MY life. Not just the amount of glucose in my blood and physically how that makes me feel, but mentally & emotionally as well. I have decided to embrace my A1c what information I CAN glean from it. That means when it’s 6.4, 7.0 or 10.0. What it does NOT mean is that I judge ANYONE else for THEIR A1c. It goes back to my favorite core ideology of the DOC, Your Diabetes May Vary (YMDV). What works for me, isn’t going to work for someone else and vice versa. For crying out loud,  what worked for me today probably won’t work for me again tomorrow!  I love the DOC because that feeling of someone who TRULY “gets it” is so invaluable in my management. But I try to remain aware that everyone’s experiences are different.

I crave a way to be validated, always. And usually via external sources since I’m not very nice to myself a lot of the time (at least I know it?). After this last result, both Ryan and my CDE chided me for not giving myself enough credit. The last two A1c results cemented to me that all the work I have put in to switch from my pump to MDI was working. Just like that A1c years ago of a 9.4 was a reminder that maybe I had to take a look at my management and figure out why the hard work WASN’T getting the results I wanted.

Basically, everyone decides for themselves how they view their own A1c results and we all have doctors with different opinions on the topic as well. For me, I don’t let my A1c define me but it is a tool I use to fine tune my management. And it’s something I celebrate when I feel it worthy. Usually with ice cream. And if it doesn’t feel worthy of celebrating, ice cream usually helps then too. xoxo

 

 

 

The Shame

We’ve been having a rough go of things as of late with my mom’s Alzheimer’s. I’ve been trying to crowd-source information & resources on Twitter and have had so many people reach out with their love and prayers and good thoughts. It’s appreciated more than you know.

Someone this morning lamented that more needs to be said about this silent disease. And he’s right. But I know why *I* haven’t spoken too much of it sooner – and I’d hazard a guess it’s the same reason many have – shame.

First off, I am not ashamed of my mother or her diagnosis. I am ashamed of the things this disease makes her say & do. I’m ashamed of the amount of guilt, anger & fear this disease causes her – and that I am unable to really do anything but pacify her, which means lying to her on a regular basis. I’m ashamed of the way my feelings are hurt by the things that Alzheimer’s makes her say about people I love – even though I know they aren’t real. I’m ashamed that the amount of effort it’s taking to keep me and the rest of my family emotionally afloat leaves me unable to do other things I’d rather be doing – although I am making self care a priority as often as possible.

I’m ashamed that one my biggest fears for this disease was my mother forgetting not only my name, but that she bore me from her own body. I’m ashamed to realize I was woefully unprepared for the emotional toll this middle stage of Alzheimer’s can take.

I’m ashamed that what we’re going through isn’t what I had experienced with Alzheimer’s previously (which admittedly, isn’t much experience even with a strong family history). I’m ashamed that no matter what I do or how hard I work to calm my mother’s fears, another one will pop in place of the allayed one – often to circle back to it a short time later.

I’m ashamed that while we try hard to preserve my mom’s dignity, it can be difficult to do so. Mostly because when I ask for help, I need to disclose feelings or actions that to someone (thankfully) unfamiliar with the disease may seem completely unfathomable. I assure you, even a year ago I couldn’t fathom my mother like this.

But I am not ashamed to ask for help. From professionals. From my support group. From my peers and social media. I am not ashamed of the way my father, sister and I have united to do what we can. And even though there is much, much shame, I refuse to ever be too ashamed to talk about this. Whether it helps someone else going through this or unites me with a fellow caregiver – it will have been worth it. Writing is my outlet -even if no one reads it. I feel better for vomiting words on this page and getting them out of my brain – if only temporarily. xo

 

To Know or Not to Know…

For those of you that aren’t aware, my mother was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimers (EOD) a little more than a year ago. Being the kind of person that I am, I immediately began researching and discovered, to my horror, that when you have a parent with EOD, there is a 50% chance of the child carrying the gene that causes it, and therefore a strong possibility of developing the disease.

Because Ryan & I were very much discussing starting a family at the time of her diagnosis, I felt I wanted to know if I carried the gene. And I said if I did, it may change my mind about having biological children. I made a call to the office seeing my  mother and left a voicemail that I would like a call back from someone to discuss genetic testing.

I had many reasons for wanting to know if I carry the gene. First and foremost, I’ve already received a surprising, devastating diagnosis once already in my life. If I can know something is lurking around the corner, I’d rather know about it. With that said, if I *do* know, I can start annual screenings now which will allow for earlier intervention with medications if necessary. I also wanted to know if I carry the EOD gene because symptoms can begin at an age younger than I am now. Is it worth the risk to bring a child into the world only to leave it (and my husband) possibly before my time?  Or to have my husband need to be both a father to our child and a caregiver to me? That’s a lot to ask or expect of someone, even your life partner. I would do it in a heartbeat, and I know Ryan would too. But that doesn’t mean it’s what I want if it can in some way be prevented.

In the weeks & months that followed I had this discussion with many people. And those people all had different opinions of what I should do and what they would do. I made sure my mom was ok with me having the test. The guilt she felt at my diabetes diagnosis was palpable. While we are definitely seeing the effects of the Alzheimers not just on her memory but also her mood, she is still my mom and I value her feelings. Ryan said he understood my reasoning and would support me however necessary. My best friend reminded me that knowing doesn’t change the outcome and even if I know that I WILL develop EOD, there’s no knowing WHEN. She also reminded me that I may not carry the gene but could get hit by a bus at any time so it’s a moot point. This is why she’s my best friend – she knows how to keep it real.

So it’s been sitting in the back of my brain for almost a year. Some days, like the ones where I attend a support group with Ryan and my dad, or the ones when I attend doctors appointments with my mom, I think of it more. I felt not calling back when no one returned my call was so completely out of character for me that it spoke of what my gut was telling me. But today, I got a call back.

It’s taken over a year and we don’t know how or where the disconnect happened but I spoke to someone at the genetic center in my local hospital today. We discussed my chronic illness and my mother’s diagnosis. We discussed me wanting to start a family. We discussed what insurance will cover, what they might look for and other tests we may look into running. And now? I didn’t make an appointment.

First off, I need to speak to my parents. In order to test me, they also have to test my mom. I suppose that seems rather obvious. But the reality? I’m fucking terrified. And I’ve been living terrified for quite some time. On top of being scared of EOD and freaking out anytime I do something that could be seen as a symptom (misplacing things, unable to find a word, forgetting something that seems important), I’m scared of becoming a mom!

Now in reality, that’s a post for another time, and we all know I probably won’t ever write it (right Zach?). But that fear isn’t a secret either. It’s something Ry & I discuss regularly – the fears we have over me getting and being pregnant; the fear of being responsible for another human being for its whole life; the fear of where will we find the money?!?! But those are all real, valid fears. And if we weren’t the slightest bit terrified at the thought of parenthood, I’d probably be even more concerned than I am.

So now I allow it to come to the forefront of my thinking. I need to decide if I’m more scared to know or more scared NOT to know. I don’t have that answer. I’m not even sure how I will arrive at it to be honest. As I said, I’ve discussed this with family, friends and even my therapist. But no one can make the decision for me although I know I have tremendous support no matter how this all shakes out. So the next few days, I’ll let it marinate. I’ll talk Ryan’s ear off incessantly with pros & cons. I’ll most likely lose some sleep too (I’m getting used to that these days – JUST TURN OFF BRAIN! SLEEP IS GOOOOOD!). Until then, I would like to hear what *you*would do in my position. And definitely why. Like I said, my decision, but as the Beatles sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” xo

See ya 2015!

Where in the hell did this year go?! Time really does fly and I swear that it speeds up with every trip we take around the sun, science schmience. 😉

I like to wrap up every year thinking of what made the year great or what didn’t make it great and how I grew. I also like to look ahead to the new year and what I anticipate it will bring. I’m not a resolution maker per se but I definitely have goals for my life in the coming years.

Today let’s talk about what happened in 2015.

Ryan & I went on a wonderful honeymoon to San Francisco in January. We saw the Golden Gate Bridge, rode a cable car, walked up Lombard Street, visited Fisherman’s Wharf and visited NINE breweries in the area (Rogue, Anchor, 21st Amendment, Thirsty Bear, Lagunitas, Half Moon Bay, Cellarmaker and two I can’t remember which maybe aren’t in business anymore?). It was awesome! It was the first real vacation I’ve taken as an adult and the first time Ryan & I had traveled together. We talk about going back for our 5th or 10th anniversary. And NOT staying 45 minutes outside the city (which with traffic means 2 hours – no matter the time of day. Traffic was my ONLY complaint about this trip)

I became a Jamberry consultant in March. I’ve learned a lot about running your own business this year. I still don’t know if I’m cut out for it but looking forward to continuing to try in 2016.

We moved in July to a bigger, nicer place. It was a nightmare of a move for many reasons but we love our new home now. It’s (hopefully) only temporary (more on that in my Welcome 2016 post!) but is everything we were looking for – bigger kitchen, more storage, washer & dryer – in other words, everything we were looking for in a home to be able to start *really* discussing having a baby.

We also got a new bunny! Noodle joined our family shortly after we moved. He’s a sweet, fluffy boy who is super mischievous. He & Grier still can’t be out of their cages together but I did catch them bathing each other through their cages the other night.

My mother’s Early Onset Alzehimers diagnosis was confirmed. The diagnosis itself isn’t tough. It was an answer we’ve been fighting for for a long time. We have a long battle ahead of us but I’m grateful for online communities of support and the support of family members who’ve already fought this battle. I am still trying to decide to get the genetic testing to see if I carry the gene. As a chronic illness patient I am tempted. I don’t want to be “surprised” by a diagnosis again. On the other hand, besides early interventions (that will end with the same result ultimately), what is there to gain from the knowledge? See, an inner struggle. I am FABULOUS as self conflict – go ME!

After 9 months of being VERY sick(lack of appetite, nausea and lots of other fun gastro symptoms NOT including weight loss), I went gluten free in October. I had seen 6+ medical professionals (including but not limited to: PCP, therapist, naturopath, endocrinologist, CDE/Nutritionist and gastroenterolgist) endured endless rounds of tests (one involving eating radioactive eggs and waiting around the hospital for 4 hours) and countless med changes I decided to take the sage wisdom of my good friend to heart. What could a 3 week elimination diet hurt? Nothing. And within DAYS I was finding relief. I’ve remained gluten free since and I have no intention of turning back. It’s a HUGE change but there are so many options fog gluten free living if you know where to look (hint, the gluten free aisle at any grocery store!). I know I don’t have Celiac (even though being T1 increases my chances of developing it as they are both auto immune disorders) as I’ve had a gluten tolerance test within the past year. I have no interest in testing now since that means going back to gluten for three weeks (makes me sick just to think about it) but I am fairly certain I have NCGS. All I know is gluten makes ME feel like shit. But I’m not gonna walk around expecting everyone to transition to gluten free. You do you people. BUT – if you’re suffering from undiagnosed gastro ailments as well as headaches, fatigue and acne, just try to eliminate & see what happens.

I’ve maintained an A1c of under 6.5 all year. I am INCREDIBLY proud of that. With being so sick for so long, my diabetes care suffered. But it shows my good habits have actually become habits and even when I don’t want to, I am somewhat taking care of myself. Yay!

I think that’s a decent wrap up. What was the highlight of YOUR 2015? xoxo

 

 

 

Burnout

It occurred to me today than I am deep in the trenches of diabetes burnout. I’ve been feeling it creeping in over the last few months. I don’t know if it’s the 2 years I’ve been working SO hard on my A1c that did it? Maybe the slight A1c increase at my last endo appointment – the first in almost three years? Maybe it’s that I’ve been sick and my eating & exercise patterns and habits have been off for 6+ months. Maybe it’s because I’ve been having trouble finding patterns so that I can make corrections to avoid these lingering lows and crazy highs that require many SWAG and rage boluses.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been thinking a lot about how naive I was when I was diagnosed. How I thought diabetes was something that would be difficult at first but I’d learn to manage it effectively and lead a normal, albeit much more medically expensive, life. I’m struggling to come to terms with the fact that is not true.

In the early days of my diagnosis, I was also going through a divorce. In light of the emotional fallout I was experiencing, I didn’t really consider the weight of what was happening to my body. Yes, I learned as much as I could as fast as I could, but for some reason I still thought that the longer I had diabetes, the easier it would get.

I suppose in many ways, it has. I use a pump and a CGM now as opposed to 10+ daily fingersticks and 7 or more daily injections. I know how to maneuver through the medical system to get what I need in a timely manner. I’ve developed a network of in real life AND online friends who share my burdens, my struggles and my joys in my life diabetes in a way which few can understand.

But I’m struggling to come to grips with the fact that diabetes isn’t a war I can win*. I will never be victorious when it comes to this disease. I will serve as my own pancreas for the rest of my life without a single break or vacation. I will live in fear of a nighttime low which I don’t wake up from. I will forever be scared of the complications that may be in store for me down the road – even with good management.

I am learning though that diabetes can be a compromise. And it doesn’t sting so bad when you think of it that way. I think of diabetes as my enemy, but it’s a PART of me and we need to work together to stay healthy – even if that diabetes pipsqueak rarely lifts a finger to help with THAT!

But for now, I will sit in my admission: I’m experiencing diabetes burnout. Maybe it’s time to FINALLY pick up that book from Ginger (how lucky I am to call her an IRL friend – who is also serving as my mentor as I transition to gluten free living). I wasn’t ready to read when she gave it to me. I think I’m ready now. Until then, I know I’ve done the hard part. I’ll pick my head up, keep moving forward – and set some alarms on my phone to make me do more than 2 fingersticks a day!!

xoxo

* I am not positive I’ll see a cure in my lifetime. In all honesty, I don’t even think I’m hopeful for it. But I am grateful for the technological advances that keep being released that continue to change and improve my diabetes management.

ReMARKable

My family visited Nova Scotia this summer and decided to send some of my brother’s ashes into the Atlantic. I wish I could have been there but my dad took a video so i could feel like I was there.

I’ve been watching this video over and over and over. And crying. Tears of happiness, appreciation, awe and profound grief & sadness. I wanted to share it with you all.

It Started With a Heartbeat

I was supposed to be a boy. I know this because when I was younger I found some audio cassettes marked “Baby John’s Heartbeat.” I mean, it was 1980. It was before the ultrasound technology today so there are no pictures of me in utero (thank God, I was an ugly baby!) but there exists a sound recording of my whooshing heartbeat at about 30 weeks gestation. I thought it was one of the coolest things I’d ever heard. But I was so confused as to why it was labeled “John” when I clearly was a “Jessica.” My mom informed me they had been told throughout the pregnancy that I was a boy (again, ancient technology – or lack thereof) and they had planned to name me after my father’s older brother who succumbed to cancer at 19.

I’d say it was about that time, at 6 or 7, that I started viewing my relationship with my father differently. I felt surely he was disappointed that not only was I NOT a boy but he had another daughter after me and no son AT ALL (this speaks much to my psyche even today in that I will continually attempt to change or better things for others, even when there is no need or point). So I began wanting to do things that which were more on the tomboy side. We played catch. He put up a basketball hoop and taught me how to shoot. Unfortunately, coordination is not one of my strong suits (also still true today) and I wasn’t very good. But it was fun to hang out with my dad and I felt like it brought him some enjoyment too.

When I started 6th grade, I made a new best friend. Her name was Karen and her dad was the head coach of the high school boy’s varsity basketball team. My dad started bringing me to games where I got in some social time with my best friend but also learned about the game. That continued until I started high school where I took my uncoordinated self paired with my vast knowledge of the game of basketball and became a cheerleader (which is a sport BTW, a fight for another post!) for all 4 years.

When I went away to college, I would look forward to winter break where my dad and I would return to the gym of my alma mater and watch his alma mater play mine. We would catch as many games as we could, my dad always with a pocket full of tootsie pops and me flitting about being social while trying to keep up with the game.

When I returned home from college, my sister was in her freshman year at UVM. She had been tapped to be the person who performed the National Anthem before home games for the UVM Catamounts. With this honor, she received two tickets to every home game which she handed over to my father and I. It was the early part of the glory days. There was so much heart in this team. We began traveling for games with the team – for both championship games AND regular season games. We were utterly hooked on the magic that is Catamount Basketball.

In 2004, the America East Championship Game was played at Patrick Gym, our home court. Tickets would be hard to come by but dad & I were determined. We made a plan that he would head over at about 4am and I would replace him in line about 8. Well, when we watched the 11pm news, people were already lined up. So we decided to join them. We packed blankets and pillows, snacks and games and spent one of the most memorable nights of my life surrounded by other die hard Cats fans. Coppenrath’s return from injury to score more than 30 points in a thrilling win over Maine was icing on the cake.

The Cats went onto to lose in the NCAA tourney in the first round as a 15th seed playing #2 Connecticut. But we had hope for the next season. The final year of the magic that was Coppenrath, Jensen, Sorrentine, Hehn and Mopa Njila’s. They went on to win the America East tourney and upset Syracuse in the 1st round.

I think that was the height of my Catamounts fandom. The team has remained superb, usually finishing in the top 3 of the league (at worst). They clinched a second place regular season finish with a win over UNH last night, who handed them their first league loss this season. I still see games with my dad. Ryan has grown to love the Cats as much as I have grown to love the Patriots. It’s embarrassing to attend a game with me. It is normal for me to leave a game hoarse or without a voice. I scream during the opposing team’s foul shots. I yell at the refs. I cheer hard for my team. I am looking forward to this year’s playoff and at least one, if not two, home court playoff games after a change in the playoff rules this season that got rid of a tournament that ALWAYS required Vermont to travel.

Basketball will always have a special place in my heart. In that place is an even more special spot for the Colchester High School Lakers and the UVM Catamounts. If there is a home game and I can afford tickets, win tickets (thanks Heritage Ford & Toyota!) or am given tickets by my boss (thanks Boss!), I am there. If not, I am streaming it at home. I stream every away game I can and at least check in via ESPN app if I can’t watch it live. I already have tickets to the first playoff game and we haven’t ruled out a trip to Albany should it necessary for the Championship. I am a lifelong, die hard basketball fan. And damn proud of it!  #IBleedGreenAndGold

#WordlessWednesday Help me choose a new bathing suit

19 options – which one is your favorite for ME and why?

Searching for Hope

This headline had me up most of the night, steaming with anger and crying for my brother. The time has come where I can’t stay silent any longer. While we’ve told our stories to multiple news outlets (locally WCAX & WVNY/WFFF and nationally through NBC News), I’ve reached the point where I want to scream it from the rooftops in hopes someone will hear me and help us find justice for my brother.

I should start by saying, it hasn’t been a good year for children in Vermont, specifically those under Department of Children and Families (DCF) care. In February, Dezirae Sheldon, 2 of Rutland, died from head trauma she allegedly suffered at the hands of her step father. This was AFTER she was returned to that home with two broken legs that were allegedly caused by her mother. This little girl’s story breaks my heart – as does any story of a child who is abused by the very people who should be protecting her.

In April, Peighton Geraw, 14 months old of Winooski, was allegedly murdered by his mother. A DCF worker had been in the home an hour before emergency medical services were called. There was an uproar that two kids died within two weeks whom DCF should have been taking care of. There have been several other cases of child homicide in Vermont this year but for my own sanity, I can’t get into them here right now.

Here’s the thing. To me, DCF is set up fail. Not only are they “woefully understaffed” but they receive so little support from our state, our government and our residents. A child dies at the hands of their parents and everyone points a finger at DCF. No one looks at the fact that DCF can’t just pull a child out of a home. That’s up to the courts – who ultimately made the decision to return Dezirae to an abusive situation that ultimately cost her her life. And for all we know, the DCF worker in Peighton’s case was petitioning the court for his removal – but an hour is just not enough time to get that done. DCF has all the responsibility, none of the power and now shoulders all of the blame.

My experience with DCF couldn’t be more different. The support they gave my family as we brought Mark home, through a year of fostering, being present at his adoption, coming to his funeral and still checking in with our family is something I will forever be grateful for. What’s failing our kids is the legal system.

There have been no trial dates set for any of the people accused of killing any of these children. Including my brother. If you read his autopsy, the cause of death is homicide. No one has even been charged in his death, even though only his biological parents were present (by their own admission) when the abuse that ultimately took his life occurred. As a matter of fact, his biological mother has had at least three more children after him (all were removed from her care and parental rights terminated) and from what I understand, Mark was not the first child removed from his biological parents “care.”

We met with AG Bill Sorrell in March  to discuss whether or not we had enough information for a case. The problem wasn’t proving that Mark’s injuries happened or caused his death, but WHO perpetrated those actions. He was kind and concerned. He listened to our stories, looked at our pictures and explained they were doing all they could to build a case. He promised to keep us in the loop. We left allowing ourselves to feel some hope that justice would be served for our little Markie. But in July, the AG had the victim’s advocate working our case (he couldn’t call us himself or arrange another meeting?!) break the news that because they couldn’t prove WHICH parent actually caused the injuries (even though not only did he have a TBI from being shaken, he had other healing wounds from breaks to his clavicle and leg)they couldn’t proceed with a case. So lemme get this straight. Someone shook this 5 week old baby so hard it caused a skull fracture, waited 72 hours to get medical attention, signed a DNR and ordered him extubated and THEN fled the state? How is that not BOTH parents’ responsibility? How are they not both at fault? But that’s not how Vermont law works. Only one can be charged with the abuse and death while the other is considered an accessory. And there is no law allowing both parents to be charged and allow a jury to decide which parent did what.

It’s disgusting. And disturbing. And now, even though he couldn’t help us, AG Sorrel is going to defend DCF, which is his job. HOWEVER, if he can find a case against them and reason that this man should get a payout, I don’t even know what I will do! First off, where was this father when his daughter’s legs were broken? Where was this dad when that poor girl was returned to that home? Where has he been since her death in February? And now he comes forward and Bill Sorrell thinks he might have s a case against the state? And what will he get from this case? MONEY! Not justice – that will hopefully be awarded when Dezirae’s step father finally has his day in court. It sure won’t bring her back – just like getting charges filed against Markie’s bio parents won’t bring him back. But the message being sent now is that DCF shouldn’t get involved either because they have everything to lose and nothing to gain.

We have a duty to find justice for these kids. But if our government can’t help and our legal system won’t help – what other options do we have?! I don’t know if anyone has the answer. I know I don’t. I know I have rage and an immense amount of sadness. What I need is hope. Hope that we can stop these monsters from killing their own children. Hope that justice will eventually be served. But that hope is fading for me and I don’t know where to find more. For now, all I can do is get this anger out of me and let myself believe that hope will find its way back to me. I apologize for the disjointed nature of this post. I’m sure I have left out details and missed some facts but if I didn’t find a way to assuage this anger, it’s not healthy. So here are the inner workings of my brain laid out before you in all their glory. XO

No One Calls Me a C Word and Gets Away With It

So for anyone that missed it, Ryan and I decided to take a mini “honeymoon” to Albany for the America East tournament at the beginning of the month. Shortly after we arrived and realized how ghetto not just our accommodations were, but the entire city, we decided it was not anything resembling a honeymoon at all. But we made the most of it. Our team lost (they were robbed. Another story for another time). 

 

Prior to these getaway, I’d never used Yelp though Ryan swears by it. After being very disappointed in our experience at a restaurant we visited within an hour of getting to town, I decided I couldn’t NOT tell people about what happened. So I started an account and I wrote some reviews:

 

You wrote a review for La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

2 weeks ago

 

3/11/2014

Was in town for the AE basketball tournament and decided to check out this place for beers when we got into town since it was across the parking lot from our hotel. Waitress was friendly as we ordered 2 large Coors Lights. After 5 minutes she asked us what we ordered. She stumbled A LOT. I watched several people get walked in on while using the restrooms because the doors apparently didn’t lock correctly. Waitress grabbed my debit card off the table and proceeded to go INTO THE BATHROOM with it and was gone for almost 10 minutes before she returned for my signature! Needless to say I cancelled my debit card, didn’t leave a tip (as a server for 10+ years I don’t do that often but this was warranted) and will tell anyone who will listen not to go there. To be fair, I didn’t try the food but even the pictures of food on the menu looked gross so…

To be fair, I did two other reviews that were much better experiences:

 

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill  

Categories: Barbeque, American (Traditional) 

 

 3/11/2014

After a TERRIBLE experience down the street at another restaurant, we decided to check out Smokey Bones. We’ve frequented the chain before but this was our first time in this location. Casey & Sylvia were super friendly and it was much appreciated. We ordered just some apps and some beers. It was so great we went back Sunday after our beloved UVM lost in the AE tournament to drown our sorrows. Casey remembered us and was just fantastic. I don’t plan on coming back to Albany any time soon but if I do, I’ll be in!

 

And 

 

Chicken Joe’s  

Categories: American (New), Fast Food 

 

 3/11/2014

Wish I would have had more time to explore the menu but my husband and I had somewhere to be so we just ordered some nuggets and fries. I was please but he found the nuggets and sauces to be bland. Quick and super friendly service. Would love to try again!

As you all know, I am the first to speak out when I have a FANTASTIC experience with a company or person and also if my experience is really bad. I was very touched when I received a message shortly after my review went up from the manager of the restaurant. With his name and personal cell phone number should anything happen with my debit card. it didn’t, but that peace of mind was fantastic.

So imagine my surprise when I was notified I had two new private messages on Yelp this weekend. Here they are:

 

Cheap ass

Between Jaja J. and Jess B.

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Jaja J.

Un-Block User

Yesterday

No tip? Not $1? You couldn’t part with $1? You are a cunt. If you were a server, you would never do that, unless you are a total cunt. I hope you got an STD from your motel sheets.

Your debit card

Between Jaja J. and Jess B.

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Jaja J.

Un-Block User

Yesterday

You are mean and funny. Why are you so focused on the bathroom? You must not have been enjoying your company, or vice versa, ad you seem weird. What did you think the waitress did w your debit card in the bathroom? Seriously, what went through your head? Btw, the motel, not hotel, is a haven for prostitutes. So your debit card in the bathroom while she was probably making a call to her babysitter, and or freshening up wasn’t as nearly bad as the things that have gone on in the bed you slept in.

 

Naturally it stung a bit at first – I mean what did I do to this chick? Then I was pissed and not only did I block her, I reported her directly to Yelp (she had other very hateful reviews of other Yelp users on her page). Then I noticed she looked A LOT like the waitress we had that night. So I messaged that manager back and let him know the user name of the person bothering me and offered to forward the messages to him if necessary. 

Yes, we stiffed a waitress. Who didn’t do her job. Who expects to be paid for a job that wasn’t done well? I mean you had ONE job – bring me two beers. We were the only table in the bar that night – how hard of a request was that? I didn’t mention in my review that not only was I 99% sure she was drunk but I watched her try to take a man into the bathroom (my seat faced the bathroom for those of you wondering like Jaja J what my fascination was) There was also a thought that she could take ALL my money because who the fuck knows what she did with my debit card in the bathroom?!

Anyway, I had to share this because I find it funny and a perfect example of how NOT to use sites like Yelp. Especially if you were my waitress because I just emailed your boss and demanded you lose your job. Happy karma boomerang to you! xo