My friend Trudy's 50th birthday is tomorrow.  What fun it was to help her husband surprise her with an ice cream party.  I took her shopping for the afternoon while our husband's got everything set up. Lots of fun!

One big problem - too much frosting for a diabetic.  I made 3 cakes for the party expecting 40 - 60 people there. I made 2 pineapple upside down cake and 1 chocolate cherry chip with cherry filling between layers. I tried a new cake pan that would make the cake into a "checkerboard" - thus chocolate and cherry chip.  Frosting this one was interesting.  I hadn't decorated a cake for about 10 years. So I tried a simple border.  Unfortunately everytime I messed up I would eat the frosting ... I ate way too much! Then being her 50 th party we used black decorations so the borders on the cake was black as well. I had black fingers from decorating the cake. 
Then trying to write Happy Birthday Trudy ... my writing on cakes is not good but readable.  Then try putting 50 candles on a cake that is a 9 inch circle - all around the edge.  She did great blowing them all out!

Party turned out great!

After decorating the cake last night I checked my blood sugar. I expected it to be sky high since I have been struggling to get my numbers in range.  But considering all the frosting I had ate my blood sugar was still only 145. Glad for that ...

Sorry ... no picture of the cake ... forgot to take a picture before we left for shopping this morning.

I'm thankful for good friends

I was looking at a magazine today in the doctor's office regarding stress management.  I found things interesting ... many I've heard of, but some not.  The article was called "Stop Stress in 60 Seconds" by Leslie Pepper. I find myself over stressed many times, maybe these tips will help.

Reducing stress doesn’t have to be complicated. Just 60 seconds—one minute—out of your day can be enough to help you get a grip on stress.

Escape … in Your Mind
Sit in a quiet place for a moment and imagine yourself lying on a beach. Feel the sunlight on your body, hear the sounds of the ocean waves, smell the surf. “Research has found that the same parts of the brain are activated when people are imagining something as when they’re actually experiencing it,” says Brent Bauer, M.D., director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic, and medical editor of the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. “When someone imagines a serene image, the optic cortex is activated in the same way as when the person is actually seeing the beautiful vista.”  (OK, I'll go back to Hawaii ... in my mind)

Take a Slow, Deep Breath
Stress typically causes quick, shallow breathing, which contributes to a rapid heart rate and sweating, which causes more stress. “Get control of your breathing, and the spiraling effects of stress will automatically become less intense,” Bauer says. Try this technique when you’re in the throes of a trauma, or anytime, to feel more relaxed overall:

• Inhale as slowly and deeply as you can to the count of six.
• Keep your mouth closed, shoulders relaxed.
• As you breathe in, push your stomach out.
• Hold and slowly count to four.
• Exhale through your mouth as you slowly count to six.
• Repeat three to five times.

Listen to Beethoven or Bach
One study found that people who listened to classical music after a stressful task had significantly lower blood pressure than those who heard no music. (I'm sure other types of music help too, not just classical.)

Make a “Thank-You” List
Write down five things that you’re grateful for at that moment. “It could be the window in your office, air-conditioning on a hot day, or your pet,” says Larina Kase, a Philadelphia psychologist. When under stress, everything can seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget about things you appreciate. “Writing down a grateful list helps people realize there can be stressful things and wonderful things at the same time,” she says. (Gonna try this one.  1. I'm thankful for a couple days off work.  2. I'm thankful that Dale and I had a great time in Chicago. 3. I'm thankful the windshield didn't break when the owl hit it on Thursday night halfway to Mackinac. 4. I'm thankful for friends that I can share in their burdens, and they can share in mine. 5. I'm thankful that the sun is shining on my day off.   Maybe this is something I should take a few minutes each day to do ... not just think of but actually write it down.)

Eat an Orange
In one study, subjects who got 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C two weeks before performing a task that combined public speaking with math problems had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure than those who didn’t get the vitamin. (Never heard of this one ... maybe Matt should eat alot of oranges this month leading up to his boards next month ... )

Look Forward to Fun
Take a one-minute time-out and think about something fun you’re looking forward to later that day. “It can be anything from planning to watch the Dancing with the Stars finale to going to your granddaughter’s dance recital,” Kase says. “Thinking about something enjoyable you’ll do later helps keep things in perspective. You may be stressed now, but you’ll know it will soon pass, and you’ll be doing something relaxing.” (It always helps to think of something fun to do ... and then actually do it) 

Pet your Pet
Researchers looked at a group of stockbrokers who were being treated with an ACE inhibitor. Half of the subjects had a dog or cat, while half didn’t have a pet. Although their blood pressure stayed consistent in day-to-day situations, during times of stress, the pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those without pets. (Never been a fan of dogs)

Perform a Random Act of Kindness
“Pick a bouquet of flowers from your garden and give it to a neighbor, or let someone pull ahead of you on the expressway,” Kase says. “Kindness is a natural stress buster.” (This one makes sense ... think of someone else instead of yourself .. )

Chew Gum
Studies show that chewing the stuff can actually change brain waves, improving alertness and concentration and reducing stress. (Never heard of this one before ... gonna half to try it at work)

Mix Your Breakfast
Have a breakfast of oatmeal and bananas with a dash of half-and-half, says Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., research director at SupplementWatch.com, a health education company. A meal that contains protein and complex grains will help you think more clearly. “The little dollop of fat will further slow the absorption of carbs and lessen the sugar spike,” Talbott says. The more clearly you think, the less anxious you’ll get during the day. (Sounds good to me)

Read Your Fan Mail
Print out nice e-mails and look at them when you’re feeling anxious. “Just as negative events elicit the fight-or-flight response, positive events can help elicit the relaxation response,” Bauer says. Keep notes, letters, and cards in a special box you can get to easily. Or play back nice phone messages.  (Reading posts by others helps me to unwind and help me relax and take my mind off the stressful situations that I am in.)

Hug and Kiss Someone
Touch can help reduce stress-hormone levels and boost the immune system.  (Have you been hugged and kissed today)

Eat Yogurt
A study found that people suffering from exhaustion and stress improved after taking a probiotic supplement for six months. Probiotics contain the good bacteria found in yogurt. (I hear yogurt is good for a lot of stuff ... but never heard of for stress)

Play with a Favorite Toy
Keep wind-up toys, Nerf balls, Koosh balls, etc., in your desk. “I keep a clown nose, an Elvis driver’s license, and light-up thumbs with me at all times,” says Steven M. Sultanoff, Ph.D., an adjunct professor in psychology at Pepperdine University. “Humor adds perspective, making the stressors of life less potent.” (What is your favorite toy?)

Make a (Short) Priority List
Prioritize what you need to accomplish during the day, then check off each item as you finish it. Time management is a key step in keeping tabs on stress levels, and checking off tasks lets you see the progress you’ve made, which gives you a sense of accomplishment. (Good idea ... help me implement)

Drink a Huge Glass of Water
Dehydration can exacerbate stress and cause fatigue. “Any activity that causes you to stop for a few moments can be helpful,” Bauer says. (Yes, I know I need to drink more water)

Find a Quiet Place to Meditate
Meditation actually changes brain waves—not just while you “ohm,” but often for the rest of the day as well. Close your eyes and focus on a word or phrase in rhythm with your breath. (Meditation?  Well, let's say this one is spending time with God and in The Word.  He is our ultimate stress reliever.  I also know that I need and want to spend more time on this one.)

Do you have any specific stress relievers that help you?  Sometimes I have way to much stress ...