10 Foods To Try Before You Die

One of the easiest ways to experience something different in your life is to try different foods. I'm a big believer in it, but I'm not looking to go overboard. I know in some countries, they dine on knee cartilage. I don't think so. But, I can still have culinary experiences without getting the heebie-jeebies. And so can you.
   Here is a list of foods that everyone should at least try before they die. Give it a shot and you might open yourself up to a new favorite.

1) Sushi. Obviously. Everyone should try this at least once.

There are many different kinds of sushi. If you are leery about eating raw fish, start with a sushi roll that has a mixture of crab and vegetables. I love to dunk mine in soy sauce. Tony loves to drench his in soy sauce and wasabi. But beware the wasabi. It will burn your sinuses.

2) Rocky Mountain Oysters. Bull balls. Mmmmm. I've had plenty of opportunity to try these, but I have been too chicken

to do so. However, I know of a place in Rapid City, SD that serves them. You can bet the next time I go, I will order some and split them with my husband.

3) Haggis. Again, one I have not tried, but really all I have to do is attend a Celtic festival and it will be there. The thought

of eating internal organs stuffed in a stomach has never really appealed to me, but Tony said it's really not that bad. He said it's very savory and has a nutty flavor.

4) Pheasant. Yes, it's a pretty bird. PRETTY TASTY! Pheasant is a white meat. It almost tastes like chicken, but it has an extra zip that is difficult to

describe. It can be fairly expensive if you buy it in a restaurant or in a grocery store, so it's best to shoot the bird yourself and then eat. Be careful cooking it, though. The meat is delicate and can easily dry out.

5) Gumbo. This southern Creole dish can be made many different ways. It is a thick soup that I love to serve over rice. I usually make mine with crab, shrimp, okra and sausage. I have two varieties - mild and nuclear.

6) Peach Pie Juice. Technically, not a food, but this is probably the healthiest item on this list. And it's really easy to make . . . if you have a juicer. Juice three carrots and one peach. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix it all together and VOILA!! It's my favorite juice - flavorful and nutritious.

7) Baklava. The king of the Greek desserts! Although the origin of this crispy, flaky, honeyed delight is debatable. The

layers of phyllo dough melt in your mouth and the honey coats your tongue. The nuts are cooked perfectly, not being too crunchy or too soggy. If you're a diabetic, take extra insulin.

8) Indian Taco. The crowning jewel of this dish is the frybread. Moist and flavorful, all of the taco meat and fixings are piled on top of it. If you attend an Indian taco feed, try to get a piece of frybread that is a lovely golden brown. If it's too dark, it will be a little tough to eat. If you make Indian tacos at home and you have leftover frybread, it can be used for breakfast in the morning. Stick the frybread in the microwave, slap some jelly on it and you're done.

9) Crickets. I was so close to trying crickets at the Tulsa Fair this past year, but I couldn't find the vendor that had them. I finally worked up the nerve AND I COULDN'T FIND IT!! I was disappointed. From what I hear, they are delightfully crunchy and nutty. And a good source of protein.

10) Kuchen. The German word for cake, there are different varieties, but the one that I love the most is the official dessert of South Dakota. It is a pie with a thick crust and a custard-like filling. There are varieties to try. A very popular one is rhubarb. I prefer the cheese kuchen. A lot of people love the peach and also the apple.

Anti-Anti-Vaccine

The anti-vaccine movement is going strong. So strong that measles has reared its ugly spotted head again. The disease that was wiped out in the US in 2000 is back because people are refusing to vaccinate their children. I pray that none of these unvaccinated children are Type 1 diabetics. 
   It is extremely important for Type 1 diabetics to get their vaccines. I get a flu shot every year, without fail. Because if I get the flu, I guarantee it will knock me on my ass and let me tell you why.
   A Type 1's immune system is already compromised. The faulty immune system is already killing off the insulin cells in your pancreas. The last time I did not get a flu shot was several years ago. I got struck with the flu which then turned into underlying pneumonia and bronchitis. Because of the illness, I went into DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). For those unaware, DKA is one of the suckiest things you can go through. It is caused when your blood sugar is excessively high for a period of time. It puts tremendous stress on your kidneys, causing you to pee . . . a lot. And because your blood sugar is high, your body is going to try to expel the excess sugar in your system. So, you're exceedingly thirsty, which makes your trips to the bathroom even more frequent. 
   Then, your muscles begin to ache and you lose your breath. After that, the abdominal pain sets in and all you want to do is sleep. This is not a short-term condition. It will continue painfully until one of two things happen - you get your blood sugar down (which is difficult to accomplish when you're struck with another illness) or you die. 
   I ended up hospitalized. All because I did not get a flu shot.
   And I know with the anti-vaccine movement becoming more popular, some Type 1 parents might be tempted to not vaccinate. DO NOT DO THAT! If you do not get a Type 1 vaccinated, that Type 1 is compromised. You might think that if the Type 1 becomes ill with a disease that has a vaccine, and then that Type 1 develops DKA, that you will be able to just take him or her to the hospital and all will be well. 
   Maybe - if you catch it in time. And even if you do prevent DKA death, you might have to deal with kidney failure. All because you didn't get vaccinations. 
   There is a book written by Markus Heinze that claims vaccinations gave his daughter Type 1 diabetes. There is absolutely no scientific research to back that claim up. Type 1 is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. He said there is no history of Type 1 in either his or his wife's family. Every family that has a Type 1 child - it started somewhere - either with that child or with an ancestor. It had to start somewhere. The scientific community does not know exactly what causes Type 1. They do not know what the factors are or what the triggers are that set those factors off. This book is biased and dangerous. 
   So, please - if you are a Type 1, get vaccinated. If your child is a Type 1, get him or her vaccinated. It will prevent serious illness and perhaps death.
   But, as always, the choice is yours. Just remember, every choice has consequences. You need to determine which consequence you and/or your child will deal with. 

Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop: KEY HOLDER AND T-SHIRT

Welcome to the [3rd annual] Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by the Lindsey Blogs & Viva Veltoro.

   Who doesn’t love finding gold under the rainbow? I’ve joined with a group of bloggers who will be offering great prizes for you, just waiting to be found under the rainbow! So, hop along to all in the giveaway hop linky below to find your gold! Don't miss the Grand Prize too - if you have 1 or 2 children, you'll find the gold under the rainbow in the form of an amazing Fold N Go Double Stroller from Combi USA! Enter the Grand Prize here.

   Here at Experience A Life, I am giving away a Skeleton Key Holder/Wall Hook ($16.99) courtesy of Veritas Inspired. The winner will get to choose the color! This will look wonderful in your entryway or kitchen!

   And an All States and Washington DC Roots T-Shirt ($22.90) courtesy of Seven Miles Per Second. The winner gets a choice as to which state. Perfect gift idea for either a man or a woman. Or keep it for yourself. 

   Just enter on the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another is chosen. Experience A Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lucky March Giveaway Hop: NECKLACE, PURSE and PHOTO FRAME

Welcome to the Lucky March giveaway blog hop, hosted by LeahSays Views and Planet Weidknecht.
   This is an open-themed giveaway and each blog participating has a prize worth at least $25! Here at Experience A Life, I am giving away three prizes to one lucky winner! The first two are donated by HorsePlay Products - a $29 fashionable, recycled Easy Peezy Purse (with the floral and dragonfly print, it's perfect for a spring look) and a recycled photo frame with mother of pearl accents valued at $20.
   The other item is donated by Dress Star. It is a Red Glowing Heart Necklace, valued at $24.99. If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that is an eye-catcher, look no further! There is no way to miss this!
   I will be writing reviews on both stores in the next couple of days.
   For now, please enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and contact via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before someone else is chosen.
   After you enter my giveaway, make sure you enter all of the others in the blog hop!
   Experience A Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment and no compensation was given for this giveaway.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What To Do In Snow

Snow is in abundance across the country. Right now, the National Weather Service is calling for snow in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Yesterday, we had some snow fall here in Minnesota. And the past couple months, blizzards have dominated the news. So, what do you do when you feel trapped by snow?
   Growing up in South Dakota (i.e. the Emperor of Blizzards), I have plenty of ways for you to fight the cabin fever that can strike.

1) Do you wanna build a snowman? Lets start with the obvious now that the Frozen song is running through your

head. It's easy, it's fun and a chance for you to indulge in your creativity. And it's something that you can do with the whole family! But, beware if you have a child with Calvin's creativity. It's humorous, but have him or her build in an area that is not easily visible to the neighbors.

2) Slip 'n' slide. Find a big patch of thick ice.  Get a pair of knee pads (Atta, boy). Run and slide and see how far you can go. Great fun with friends and a couple of beers. Make sure you find the ice prior to consuming alcohol and then stop before you get too drunk.

3) Build a fort. This is perfect when you have huge snow drifts! I used to just dig tunnels and holes into a drift and that would be my fort. Granted, it wasn't very creative, but it sure seemed cozy when I was 7.

4) Bake up a storm. Those cookies or bars you wanted to try? Go for it! That cake you've been craving? Why not? The pie your husband has been begging you for? Yes! This is an excellent activity if your home is a little too cold. The oven will help heat it up.

5) Steal the flag. . . with snowballs. Divide into teams and steal the other team's flag. Make sure you have plenty of snowballs as ammo.

6) Polar plunge. But without the water. Throw on a swimsuit, run outside and roll around in the snow. Guaranteed way to wake up. Or just something fun to do during a party. To help out with the shock of the cold, booze does make you feel hot.

7) Get your mix on. I've mentioned alcohol more than once. So, why not try perfect your bartending skills? Make some mixed drinks. Invent your own. You know, if you drop some cloves in bottle of vodka and leave it set for a while, you get clove-infused vodka. Pair that with some peach schnapps. It's like drinking a holiday!

   So, there you go. You don't have to be cooped up inside with boredom. You can create fun outside and inside when there is a lot of snow outside your window. Have fun! 

Free Insulin!

Those words are like honey on my tongue. As most Type 1's know, free insulin is not easy to come by, but when it does, it is oh so wonderful! Because insulin is expensive and is necessary for long-term living.
   Unlike a lot of other expensive prescription medications, insulin is not one where you can go, "I'm running out. I'll just take it every few days until my next paycheck comes in."  
   Nope. When you're running out of insulin, your reaction is more like: "FUCK! I can't afford some more until my next paycheck comes in. What the hell am I going to do?! Well, I guess I just won't eat."
   I have been caught in that predicament far too often. More than I comfortably like. And I cut back on my insulin intake, thus cutting back on my food, taking in around 800 calories a day until I get more insulin. Not healthy. Very stressful and exhausting. When that happens, the only energy I have that does not come from a carb-free energy drink, is used to lay down on the couch and close my eyes. Because I have no fuel in my body (aka - food) and because my blood sugar is far too high, which puts a strain on your body.
   But, the pharmaceutical company Lilly (the makers of Humalog) is providing vouchers for a free box of five Humalog pens. I have not used this yet, but I printed one out and will take it in to my pharmacy and see if they will accept it. I will let you know how that turns out. But, I encourage you to click on the link above and getting yourself your own box of free Humalog.

UPDATE: It totally worked! I got my free box of Humalog pens! WHOOP, WHOOP!

Not up yet

Readers,

I am writing this on my iPhone to let you know that the wait continues. After our move to Minnesota, we waited for our Internet and are now waiting for our anti-virus software. Once that arrives and is successfully installed, I will be posting more ideas on how you can get more life experiences (as well as sharing my own), Type 1 diabetes articles and GIVEAWAYS!

Thank you for your patience.