It's been a while since I've updated this poor, neglected blog. Anyhow, here's my Friday Five.
1. Even with less snow than anybody can remember in recent history, skiing in Utah is still the best in the country. Favorite area is Solitude - just gorgeous - followed by Alta and Brighton. I love the trails winding through the spruce trees and aspens and the way they've preserved the beauty of the mountain. Wish we could afford to go every year.
2. Am finally slipping back into painting. It's been a couple of years and I got off to a rather ragged start but slowly, I'm remembering how to mix color and recalling the rules of applying paint to canvas.
3. I went to the endocrinologist recently who gave me an on-the-spot A1C test (measures the glucose in my blood). Three and a half years ago I was diagnosed with type II diabetes and had an A1C of 13.1 - totally off the charts. They admitted me to the hospital and there I stayed for a week getting insulin shots until they could bring my blood sugar down to something more reasonable. My last A1C test? 6.2. Am doing a little happy dance. It's my best yet and the doctor said I'm not diabetic anymore. I've been following largely a vegan diet and running 16-21 miles a week. Finally my diligence is paying off. Can't say how thrilled I am. For a while I was scared of the future - of losing my vision, a foot, my hearing, my kidneys. My dad was a brittle type 1 diabetic and I witnessed his struggle for years. Anyhow, this is the best news yet and I'm hoping to bring it down below 6.0 in the future. Maybe next test?
4. Am very proud of both of my sons. We visited Derek in Utah and he showed us the cello he's working on. I am so impressed. Like many young people, Derek struggled for a while with finding his place in the world and I'm glad to see he finally found it - a place where he can channel his creativity while creating something of beauty that will be used by others.
Am also proud of my youngest, Sean, who received tenure this year and found a job as an assistant wrestling coach. For somebody who wasn't sure he even wanted to go to college at one time, he's doing great. If you're not sure, college is a good place to discover what you want to do with your life.
5. Congratulations to former crit partner, Heather Ayris Burnell, who landed an agent after many many tries. Am so excited for her.
That's it for now.
