Is it possible the real reason I stopped updating my blog was because I just didn't like the look of my site? I suppose that's a possibility. I spent the afternoon updating the theme my site uses, and hope you like it. I think the notebook format is kind of neat and goes well with the 'Random Experiments' blog name, and to a certain extent, the diabetes glucose data as well as the health diary entries.

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter, or at least a great weekend if you don't celebrate Easter. We had a low key, geeky kind of 4 day holiday. I did things like upload photos of Ricky to Flickr, and then imported them into the gallery here. I had to start a new set for him for 2009. Terry sent me heaps of pics from the beginning of December to current, so I put the best ones online. Geez Ricky is growing so fast, and is so cute.

This year we have skipped the chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs in favour of a block of chocolate for each of us. Mine is Whittaker's Dark and Rod's is white. This stuff is so good, neither one of us feel compelled to keep munching on it. One or two little pieces is enough to satisfy and in my case, it seems to help my glucose levels if I have a piece after meals. It's just a tiny piece - about the size of a finger nail, but it's very rich and yummy. Entirely satisfying.

Although I still have health stuff going on, most of it has settled down somewhat. I'm now averaging about 7000 steps a day, with about 5000 steps on my daily walks. I have tendonitis in my left foot, and arthritis in my right ankle, so I've developed a routine of wearing foot/ankle compression wraps on each side. One is more for the foot, the other for the ankle. These help a lot though. I'm still using the walking stick, but that's been a real benefit as I get much farther much faster with it. With my balance not being the best and having osteoporosis too, I'm just a lot more comfortable having the cane than not having it. I no longer need to use it around the house though. Another thing I'm no longer using as much of are the extra strength pain meds. I'm generally getting by with just a couple of Panadols (like Tylenol) a few times a day. I'm only using the heavy duty stuff at bedtime and if I wake up in the middle of the night. I'm sure some of the reason for not needing as much pain medication is because I'm getting quite a bit stronger physically thanks to the walks and aqua aerobic classes. I'm moving more, and that in turn helps me be less stiff and far more flexible. I've been getting more sleep too, probably because I wear myself out these days! I still have problems with falling asleep at the computer though, and have been approved for a CPAP machine. I pick it up on the 20th and am hoping that helps my stamina.

I have two other upcoming appointments. The first is with the rheumatology department at the Repat, and the second is when I get my reconstructed nipple tattooed. I'm looking forward to the later, but not so much the former. The only problem with the tattoo is that I'll have to miss about 2 weeks of aqua aerobics.

The rheumatology appointment is from having an infected saliva gland. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and because of it's findings, we're trying to rule out something called Sjögren's syndrome, which is an auto-immune disorder. Here's a link about it: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch068/ch068d.html I do have several of the other symptoms but they could be caused by a lot of other issues like for instance allergies. The one annoying thing with this is that it's like having the mumps on one side (it's the same gland). Bleh.

In the next few days I have to start back on my school work. I've worked on the 'extra's' but need to do the actual course units. So on my list for tomorrow is seeing what steps I have to take to get started and then actually TAKE THOSE STEPS. It's like driving - I need to take the steps required so I can get my P plates. I have another session with the instructor next week. I sure as heck hope I don't drive on the wrong side of the road again. That was so embarrassing, and frustrating. Oh and dangerous too. Sigh.

In Diabetes news, my blood sugars have been very good lately. I think that's due to the exercise I've been getting, and a change in my Metformin dosage that was made about a month or so ago. It all seems to just be working. I noticed that DiabetesSA (the South Australia Diabetes agency) is now teaching a course in Carb Counting. Could it be that they are finally recognising that the traditionally accepted diet could be improved upon? I hope so. It's frustating when every site online has the same information about carbs but the local diabetes agency, like the American and Australian Diabetes Associations, are still stuck in the 20th century when it comes to diet. I'm seriously considering signing up for the class since I really don't count carbs much, I just try to ensure I have more protien and less carbs and that seems to work for me.

In other news, on my walk today, I stopped at a garage sale and found a few pieces of furniture at stupid prices. I had to call Rod to come pick up the stuff, but ended up with a nice kitchen hutch for $1, a bamboo / glass-topped coffee table for $4, and a file cabinet sized double drawer wood dresser for $2. The coffee table replaced an old daggy one that's been in our office. It looks really nice with our little zen water feature on it. The old coffee table is now on the patio with plants on it and looks like it's always been there - it really blends right in. The hutch holds my new convection oven perfectly and the cabinet underneath holds all of our cases of Pepsi Max and Solo. It really looks great too. It has a few flaws, but for the $1 price, I'm not complaining. The set of drawers went right where I wanted it in the office, and sure is a better deal than the 2 and 4 drawer plastic things I've been looking at for around $20. It's probably the best bargains I've had a long long time.

Well, I think that's about it for me at the moment. I better sign up before I fall asleep at the keyboard. :-)