About Me

My name is Jessica and I am 20 years old. I have had diabetes for almost 8 years, and I know that isn't a long time compared to some, but it has been a huge part of my life. My diagnosis at 13 wasn't something that fully registered with me, although my parents struggled greatly with it. They have been so good to me through the process of diabetes (and adding some small bad things, too haha). I can't imagine going through this without them.

For the other aspects of my life, I am in university and I am studying Computer Engineering. I love computers, technology and getting to know as much about them as I can. I hope to get into Software Engineering after university, no matter where I am. For now, I live in Vancouver, BC in Canada, and I have spent the last two summers in Calgary, AB working. I have an amazing man with me in Calgary, who is originally from Vancouver, and he has been supporting me in my initiation into the insulin pump club. It has shown me how important it is to have someone with you through this and people looking out for you whenever they can.

After my first half-marathon
 (it rained...a lot)

A huge part of me since I was young is my love for exercise. Before I found my present day activity, I played soccer for 10 years, and swam competitively for two (doing both at once when I was diagnosed, yikes!). I also was able to row on my university for a year before sleep deprivation became too hard in school. In the past year I have been running distance on and off, having participated in my first half marathon in October 2012. I believe this to be my greatest athletic passion so far! With school I have time and money constraints that don't allow me to compete as much as I would like, but I love to fit in a run when I can. I am working to try and compete in a triathlon by the end of the year and                       am completely excited for that!

As for this blog, I hope to be able to share my everyday ordinary and extraordinary experiences with regards to life and diabetes. I am also hoping to add a vlog component in the future to help with my connection to people who wander my way. I hope I can help in keeping you in touch with an honest depiction of diabetes and how it can fit into any lifestyle, without too much worry.

Ya, I am a shark.

So for now, join me in my journey of living life the diabetic way, through every up and down!