Diabetes Awareness

November is Diabetes Awareness Month for those living with Type 1 Diabetes, and even though I have Type 2 Diabetes I still feel it is a topic that many people need to be educated on. It can become quite frustrating to hear many people say, "oh well you should just loose weight" or "maybe you should lay off the sugar".

 REALITY CHECK - Diabetes is NOT caused by Sugar Intake, in fact Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition that is caused by the Pancreas producing little to no insulin at all. Type 2 Diabetes is caused because your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or it is insulin resistant. Now lets break down a little bit more knowledge about each.

Type 1 Diabetes: "A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a total lack of insulin. Occurs when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Type 1 Diabetes develops most often in young people but can appear in adults." (1.)

What is Blood Glucose: The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy.

Insulin: A hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin, it is taken by injection or through the use of an insulin pump.

There are many aspects to living with Type 1 Diabetes. You have your medication management (Insulin), Exercise, Nutrition as well as Emotional support from those closest to you. Type 1 Diabetes affects those of all ages from New Born to Elderly.


Type 2 Diabetes: A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). 

"More common in adults, Type 2 Diabetes increasingly affects children as childhood obesity increases. There's no cure for Type Diabetes, but you may be able to manage the condition by eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar well, you also may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy."  (2.)

There are many symptoms, causes and  risk factors when it comes to Type 2 Diabetes. I encourage everyone to educate themselves and to get screened if you feel you may have Type 2 Diabetes.


Something that really grinds my gears are the jokes that are constantly made by those who are uneducated about diabetes... Example: someone seeing a candy store and making a joke about getting Diabetes from just walking into it. SUGAR IS NOT THE CAUSE OF DIABETES. These types of uneducated jokes are not funny. They may seem funny in the moment but how would you feel if you had a chronic illness and someone was constantly throwing around jokes about it?


My Type 2 Diagnosis came in February 2016 after a lot of medical testing for an imbalance in my hormones and other factors that I wish not to disclose. I also have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which causes the imbalance in my hormones and contribute to my insulin resistance and Type 2 Diagnosis. Yes, my weight  could be considered a factor in both my PCOS and Diabetes Diagnosis' but these are also a contributing factor as to why it is even harder for me to loose weight no matter how active I am. I also eat a rather healthy diet with the occasional splurges we all do. I am quite lucky in the fact that I only have to take medication daily for my medication and I go in for check ups with my doctor every few months. I am constantly working on my diet and exercise regime. Diabetes is something I have but it does not define who I am.


From someone with Diabetes, someone who knows other with Diabetes.... Please educate yourself and others.


~Chrissy~


References:

1. American Diabetes Association
2. Mayo Clinic- Type 2 Diabetes

Themed Movie Nights

Recently a group of friends and I have started having regular movie nights. It started a few months ago and we have just continued it. Obviously October was the month of Scary Movies since it was Halloween. For November we have chosen to go with the theme of Food related Movies. Our first November movie night was last night and we decided on Julie and Julia. A true story based off of this woman Julie who was feeling down in a funk about her life and her career but absolutely looked up to Julia Child and decided to start a blog and to challenge herself to cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".

I absolutely adore this movie for more than one reason.

First, I love to cook and have been cooking since I was a child due to my father who has always been an on again off again chef with the hopes of opening his own restaurant. I remember the weekends my dad would rotate who he would bring into the restaurant with him while he did his morning prep and allow us to help do a bit of cooking. Those were some of the best pancakes I had ever tasted and still prefer my dads pancakes to this day. His love and passion for cooking rubbed off on me in the best possible way. I love coming up with new creations for foods and cooking the regular staples as well. I have an even bigger passion for baking, I always make the joke that I love to bake but don't want to keep any of it. Thus I bake the most during the holiday seasons so that I can give it all away as gifts to those I love and share the joy with those I don't. Another great aspect to my love of cooking is my friend who is going through Culinary classes and how well the two of us work together. The flow of ideas and not to mention the great food that we cook not only together but on our own as well. We constantly bounce ideas off of each other and are always looking for exciting new things to try. Cooking for me is great but I especially love to cook for others.

Second, the idea that this woman has gone on an adventure of her own to cook her way through Julia's book. I don't own this copy but I do have another one of Julia's books and I love just looking through it and in my head wanting to plan out a dinner party where I cook nothing but foods from her cookbook. I love cooking for large groups of people which is why I am usually the one in the kitchen during Thanksgiving and Christmas helping prepare the feast for my rather large family and extended family who choose to pop on by. For me cooking has always been a hobby that I enjoy as a stress relief. Baking is my form of procrastination from things I should be doing or an escape into a smell good world where all I am worried about is how yummy these treats will turn out.

I am excited for us to continue on our Themed Movie night adventure this month. One of the next movies on our list is called, "Hundred Foot Journey". I am looking forward to watching this movie as well as any others we choose to watch as a group or ones I may slip in when I have the free time.

Until next time readers, Eat well, Be Happy & Love Life!!

Xo ~ Chef Chrissy

Fear(Less) - Feel all the Feels

"In the End... We only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make." ~ Lewis Carroll

On Sunday August 6th I hit my 4 year anniversary mark for my job. The last 4 years have helped me grow as a person and as a professional. The last 4 years have also caused me stress and sleepless nights, tears of both Joy and Sadness. The bonds we make with people can leave an impression for a lifetime. Working with the elderly wasn't where I thought I would be if you asked me what my plans were 5 years ago. I didn't expect to be living in Santa Cruz right by the Ocean and creating all the memories that I have.... This brings me to the Fear(Less) part that I must now conquer within myself. I Love aspects of my job; the owner of the company, my office coworkers, my clients & some of my care staff. What I don't love is the stress that comes along with this position and while it has been less then before it is still there and eating away at me. While I am very thankful to my boss for taking a chance on me 4 years ago an allowing me to help build up this business, it is now time for me to look at moving on. I need a position that will truly allow me to grow within the company and offer me a bit more financial freedoms.

One of my amazing coworkers who I fondly refer to as "Mama Bear" (because she is just that), encourages me everyday in every way that I deserve the best. I also have a cousin who recently reminded me that I need to get uncomfortable and truly pursue finding a career that will make me happy and fulfilled in every way.  So here is to the start of my next journey, the new chapter in my book and life.

I was listening to spotify the other day and this song Fearless came on and I just loved it. It reminded me that no matter what I cannot give up, I have the spirit of a fighter and even traveling into the unknown I want to be Fear(Less).

FEARLESS

Jasmine 

I wake up I feel it

Those fears are back again

Can't shake them can't make them

Ever fade ever end

Am I good enough do I measure up

Feels like a war I can't win

But I wasn't given the spirit of fear

I was given the power of love

Everything I've been fighting against

I'm gonna lift it up

I wanna be fearless

No holding back no backing down

Fearless

Because I believe you're with me now

Bring on the unknown

Lead me and I'll go

Come set me free

God, I want to be

Fearless (I want to be)

Fearless (I want to be)

These mountains these giants

Will fall at a single word

In your name in your strength

I'm more than a conqueror

I wasn't given the spirit of fear

I was given the power of love

Everything I've been fighting against

I'm gonna lift it up

I wanna be fearless

No holding back no backing down

Fearless

Because I believe you're with me now

Bring on the unknown

Lead me and I'll go

Come set me free

God, I want to be

Fearless (I want to be)

Fearless (I want to be)

I won't be afraid

I won't be afraid

I'll call on your name

I'll walk out in faith

I won't be afraid

I won't be afraid

I'll call on your name

I'll walk out in faith

I won't be afraid

I won't be afraid

I'll call on your name

I'll walk out in faith

I wanna be fearless

No holding back no backing down

Fearless

Because I believe you're with me now

Bring on the unknown

Lead me and I'll go

You set me free

God, I want to be fearless (I want to be)

Fearless (I want to be) fearless

I wanna be fearless

~Chrissy~ 

Hiking - Shark Fin Cove

Today I went on an Adventure.... BY MYSELF!! It felt so Amazing to get out of my comfort zone and explore on my own. My cousin came to visit me a while ago and had gone up to Shark Fin Cove on the recommendation from a friend. I've lived here for 4 years and I can't believe I had never been up there.

The Hike along the coast between Shark Fin Cove and Davenport Beach was Beautiful. I found a great little nook down the side of the cliff to have some lunch.

I always have a fear of going places alone. I feel like I am being judged or watched because its just me. Today that all changed for me when I made the decision to go explore by myself. I have always been drawn to the Ocean, the sound of the waves crashing in the peacefulness that I feel when I am near the Ocean. I had the chance to walk, sit, stand, reflect and connect with Me! 

A Beautiful Day for a Beautiful Hike and some Self Love and Exploration! 

~Chrissy~ 

Struggling

This past weekend I saw some photos of myself that truly made me just want to break down and cry. Struggling with my weight and it isn't getting any easier for me. I eat healthy, I do exercise (could do more) and yet nothing seems to be working. My medical issues come into play when I think about my weight and it has just been killing me these last few months. I am trying to Breath and work through it but there are days I just want to hide away and break down crying. This too shall pass, but when?


~Struggling~

Wine Vibes

It's always so great when you get to explore and enjoy a wine weekend, especially when you get to do it in great company. My cousin Kelly is amazing and 2 years ago suggested that the Boylan women start a wine tasting tradition where we can all get together, catch up and best of all Drink Wine!! This past weekend was nothing short of AMAZING! We got to welcome in a new Boylan Woman (Natalie) and enjoy some delicious wine and other treats along the way.

First stops were The Olive Press and Jacuzzi Vineyards which just so happened to be in the same location right across the room from each other.

We then headed over to Cornerstone of Sonoma  where we got to walk through artist inspired gardens, have a wonderful lunch and wander through the amazing shops.

It is always such an amazing time to be spent with family and always seems to go by too quick. Looking forward to more adventure with these Wonderful Ladies. <3

Wine Happy - Chrissy

Purpose

Lately I have been feeling as if I am lacking a purpose. I feel like I go through the motions of life the way I am supposed to. Wake up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep and then just repeat it all again. The last month I have been fortunate enough to have every weekend off; which let me tell you has been quite amazing.

One of my Best Friends Graduated from college and I was fortunate to be there for her along her journey and to celebrate with her an her family.

I have had the opportunity to soak up the sun with my friend and her family while they were camping locally.

Visits with my Family, no matter how draining they can sometimes be are always welcomed. Especially the ones I also get to share with Friends who are my family as well.

I look over these small things and realize that I have so much to live for. I see their smiles, hear their voices and know that I do have a purpose far greater than myself. I may get caught up with the mundane everyday of work but then I just need a moment to step back and realize that there is more for me to appreciate and be thankful for.

Like Beautiful Sunny Day's spent outdoors with a cup of coffee and conversations from a good friend.

An upcoming trip to spend time with some of my favorite ladies in the whole world who I not only get to call Family but Friends as well. While meeting the newest addition to our lovely clan.

Everyday is a blessing and I am learning to appreciate the days that are slow and take time for myself and to remember that I don't always have to be on the go. I don't always need to be surrounded by others. I can take the time to Breath and rejuvenate for the adventures that are yet to come.

~ Finding Purpose ~

Self Love

SELFIES - Images I take of myself to feel beautiful. I have heard so many different comments in regards to people who take "too many" selfies. Well I'm here to tell you why and how taking selfies has helped me build my self confidence and see my own beauty. 

The other week I was getting ready for work and I just happened to look in the mirror and catch myself smiling. I was feeling amazing after that little bit of extra sleep and a few extra minutes of morning prep time. I have been bullied practically my whole life because of my constant battle with my weight and because I happen to be a tall woman - 6'1. I have been called every nasty name you can think of and it tore apart my self confidence one insult at a time. There comes a point in our lives where we just have to say fuck it and not care what others think. I still fight with this concept but have noticed that over the years I have become stronger in my will power to overcome what others thought of me. A person walking down the street would call me fat or ugly, men would approach me thinking they would be able to score because I am a "fat girl" and an easy lay (HELL NO). I have been berated over my weight and told that if I just tried I could be prettier and loose it. Well reality check - You don't know me or the struggles I have been through and the battles I fight every day. I for the most part am a healthy eater (every one has guilty pleasures -Pizza) and I am active (could be more). The point is many people don't understand what it is like to walk in another's shoes and the pain they can cause by one insult. 

It has taken me nearly 16 years to Love Myself. I am not perfect and still strive everyday to tell myself I am Beautiful, that I matter and I can do anything I want to accomplish. 

I am throwing out a challenge to people - if you already do this, GREAT - but for those who don't, try for one week to compliment someone in your life. It can be a person you interact with daily or a stranger on the street. Tell them something you cherish about their personality, compliment their outfit or just simply lend a smile. I would love to hear how this has helped or changed your outlook. How the week went with compliments. One negative comment will stay with the receiver for a lifetime while the one throwing it out will never think of it again. So be the positive change you wish to see in this world that seems to have so much hate. 

Most importantly remember to LOVE YOURSELF!!!! If taking millions of selfies helps you accomplish that, then dammit take a million selfies. 

~ Xo Selfie ~ Chrissy ~

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

SF Bay Bridge on New Years 2017

For 2017 I rang in the New Year Alone, Content and Ready to take on the Future!!! 

I have always been the type of person who is afraid to go out somewhere on my own. Always worried about what others  were thinking. Am I being judged for being a single woman out exploring and enjoying my time alone?? This New Years was just another affirmation to myself that I can do it alone. I can go and explore all those awesome places on my list. I can step out of my boxed in comfort zone and truly start to live, love and enjoy this beautiful world we live in. 

This Adventure started on New Years Eve!! 

Hog Island Oyster Co. SF

I started off my evening at Hog Island Oyster Co. with a nice cocktail and a yummy little dinner. While sitting at the oyster bar I was able to truly take in the vibe of the restaurant and all the amazing people working and enjoying food there. 

Not exactly sure what this building is but it was just across the street from the Embarcadero and I though it looked so amazing all lit up. The water catching in the corner and the hustle and bustle of everyone of the night made it magical. I had quite a bit of time to kill before the fireworks started so in my true fashion I was a people watcher. It is always so interesting to me to see peoples mannerisms and how they interact with not only people they know but strangers as well. The general mood of happiness was throughout the evening as people geared up to spend this New Years Eve with their Loved Ones and Ring in 2017. 

The Countdown.... You could hear people from blocks away screaming out the countdown until midnight. The waterfront of packed shoulder to shoulder with people. 

10.. 9.. 8.. 7..6.. 5.. 4.. 3..2.. 1..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XO ~ Creating Daring Memories in 2017 ~ Chrissy XO