Sweet and Sour- The Type 1 Diabetes Rollercoaster

As I sat on my laptop, applying for allowances through Centrelink whilst simultaneously looking through bank account options, it suddenly dawned on me that I’m entering the adult world. I now understand why people whinge about Centrelink after having spent hours on the phone with them and filling out an application that took well over the estimated 30 minutes. I understand why people get annoyed at the banks and their convoluted details, because nothing is simple when it’s run by the government or the banks.  This understanding dawned on me when I’d confirmed for the third time, that no, I do not have a live-in partner or children, and no, I’m not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. STOP ASKING. But this new world isn’t just about governments and banks, turning 18 means that I leave my team at the children’s hospital, and I’m not sure I’m ready yet. It’s said that when you share a life changing experience with someone, a connection is established. Strangely eno...

Well if there's anyone out there, hi! I'm right in the middle of my HSC, five exams left until I can finally finish high school for good and add my other subject's notes to the shredder (I wasn't kidding, this is English) But I thought I'd share some fantastic news with those of you that still pay attention to my little blog. Somehow, I managed to get an early offer/scholarship into uni. Yep.... even I'm not sure how that happened. It was nerve wracking and hard work, but somehow I managed it. So now, I don't have to get as high marks as I once did and if I fit the criteria I am guaranteed a place in the course and made an offer in the first uni offer round in January! I would also like to mention a lovely girl, who I didn't even know read this blog. She's kind hearted and sweet, not to mention driven and intelligent. I first admired her for her brilliance in the acadmeic arena, but as I spoke to her more, I have grown to resp...

Dear Dad, You're a wal, but you're my wal :) Whilst you may fit almost every category in the stereotypical Australian image and make a great example in demonstrating Australian culture in my society and culture classes, there's a lot more to you than surf, bbq's and NRL (although with that Manly obsession I've got to wonder sometimes!). You're smart, smarter than you give yourself credit for. You've taught me a lot, not just things like maths and driving but also how to communicate with other people and learn to take initiative. You're funny, always making me laugh when I need it most. Plus you give great hugs- but I think that's a pre-requisite of being a dad. For my diabetes, you're amazing. You wake me every night (even if you fall asleep you come in later on) to check my blood sugar. You get up out of bed at 3am to come and wake me up to check again if I need it, even in the middle of winter in the freezing cold. You do my set changes...

My first blog request from my favourite Type 5 asking for diabetes puns, jokes and pickup lines. These are terrible and have been found from stalking the internet, only two are my own because I'm not clever enough to think them up... or perhaps my sense of humour is a little more sane 1) The diabetics got on very well, you could say they glucose 2) Can you check your blood sugar? Because I would love to know your number 3) You're just my type 4) You're like my needles, ultra-fine 5) A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down..... unless you're diabetic 6) You're so sweet I need a dose of insulin 7) Did it hurt your pump... you know, when you fell from heaven? my own creation and the title of my major work 8) Sweet sensationalism 9) What does one meter say to another? HI-LO One I frequently say 10) Dude, I'm so high right now

A lot of people take things way too seriously, and I'm pretty guilty of that myself at times! Diabetes is something that's serious, and whilst it's important to stress it's life threatening nature, it's also essential to step back and laugh at everything surrounding it. So carrying with the theme of looking on the bright side of diabetes, here's a list of 'diabetes perks' - Mandatory lunch breaks - People hold your stuff - Putting wagers on what my blood sugar will be - People's faces when they offer you food and it dawns on them you're diabetic (note I refuse the food not because I'm diabetic but because I'm gluten and lactose intolerant... yay me :) ) - Insulin junkie jokes - Freaking out members of the general public by saying loudly 'I'm high' - Getting out of sport... you know, just in case you drop low (I swear I only did that once, I promise it was legitimate) - Scaring your friends with dark humour i...