2009 Roswell Criterium

On Sunday, April 26th, I and our boys went to the 2009 Roswell Criterium in the city of Roswell, Georgia. For those of you new to cycling, a criterium is a road race which takes place in a small amount of space, e.g. town square.

My intent for going was twofold: 1. For our sons to experience a bike race and 2. To hopefully bump into members of the pro cycling team, Team Type 1. This pro cycling and triathlon team, is comprised of members who live with insulin-dependent diabetes [type 1s & 2s].



The weather was beautiful, but slightly warm. We parked at the city of Roswell government building and walked over. During our walk, we witnessed the boys 16-18 year-olds racing. Man, those kids were fast! It was truly amazing what they could do.

Seeing as lunch time was approaching, we ate at our friends' restaurant, The Fickle Pickle. The food was awesome, especially for two boys who were starving at the time. :) We sat right in front of the Start/Finish line and watched the cyclists go by. Every time the announcer mentioned the sprint, on the last lap, both boys jumped from the table to the fence to see the finish. Very, very cool.

We stayed almost 4 hours, but due to a prior diabetes-related engagement, we left before Team Type 1 showed. :( Oh, well. We'll try to see them in the near future. All in all, we had a great time and developed a deeper appreciation for the riders. Both boys now want become bike racers some day... We'll see.

Have a great day!

Mark

It's a Beautiful Day

Mondays are never good. I spent my weekend having a blast [especially at one little boy's b-day party :)] albeit seasonal allergy complications with our oldest son. However, we still managed to enjoy a beautiful weekend.

Mondays can suck the "fun" right out of me. I want to be outside having fun: playing with our boys, riding my new bike, etc, etc. But alas, I'm updating projects, tuning systems, creating documentation, and (sigh) attending meetings.

All workdays must, and I do mean must, come to an end. As soon as I get home, I embrace my family, strip off the business clothes, and change in to my "fun" clothes for an hour of non-stop playing. I even got to ride my new bike for a little while. It was truly awesome!







It was a beautiful day...

Thoughts on my 40th

Today, I was born 40 years ago and as I reflect on my life, I know that I am a truly blessed man.

If someone were to have said to me--back when I was a sarcastic teenager--that my life would one day be filled with special people, filled with love and joy, I probably would've scoffed. If someone were to have said that surviving through the trials and tribulations, I would be a much better, stronger person, I would've laughed.

But here I am, on this my 40th birthday, with more optimism and motivation than ever before in my life:
- I am married to the woman of my dreams; my best friend and forever love
- I am blessed with the two most adventurous, loving boys
- I am surrounded with lots of loving family and friends
- I have experienced the triumphs and challenges of managing a disease [32+ years with diabetes] with hope for a cure
- I gave my life to God, through His Son, who watches over me and our family everyday. His love endures forever

God willing, I am hopeful to see another 40 years and witness a great future. There is hope today for a better tomorrow.
God's love to you all,

Mark

Victory!

Well, close enough...

I received a call from my Insulet service provider, late yesterday afternoon, with great news. The OmniPod pump is headed my way!

Yeah, baby!!!

We (Insulet and I) conquered the trials and tribulations with acquiring this thing. We encountered miscommunication, faxing, re-faxing, doctor calls, and constantly hounding insurance companies to move forward. All of this just to get an insulin pump!

If there's anything to be said, it's this: Don't ever give up. Don't stop fighting to take care of yourself. Believe that you have the ability to accomplish great things. Live for others so that they may understand and help find a cure for diabetes.

Never give up!