Posted December 14th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are the photos I took on December 12th, 2011:
Gotta keep that smooth-as-a-baby’s-behind look going.
Every Monday I write a new mantra to focus on for the week.
I felt high (and not in a good way) when I got to the office. So I whipped out my diabetes purse. I hate that thing.
That stadium-looking thing is ASU. This is the view from my office.
We have Christmas wreaths in the lobby of our building. You can see Megan and myself in the reflection.
Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough totally makes me feel like I’m living teenage dream.
This is what winter looks like in Phoenix.
One of my sister’s Xmas presents from Amazon.com arrived.
I got TWO cards today. The one on the left is from Jennifer. The one on the right is from Nick.
Grr. After dinner high.
Getting ready to record an audio episode of What Some Would Call Lies.
Editing the podcast before bed. If you like the stories I write, maybe you’ll like the audio version of What Some Would Call Lies. Check it out here.
Posted November 13th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are the photos I took on November 12th, 2011:
Book-nerd problem: I immediately picked up this book when I woke up. I believe that Chad Kultgen has become one of my favorite contemporary fiction writers. I’m loving this one Men, Women & Children.
Neighbor-problem: My neighbor still has their pumpkin out. It’s melting!
Workaholic-problem: I know it’s Saturday…but I’m working all day (from home). Getting started at noon.
Hoarder problem: This cup is like 20 years old. My dad bought it at Philippe’s in Los Angeles when I was a child. My parents were about to toss it out and I was lucky to be around to save it. It’s now one of my favorites.
Nerd-boy problem: I’m going on a date and I don’t know if I want to wear contacts or glasses.
Busy-boy problem: I’m going on a date and there is a chance that he will see my bedroom. I’ve been busy with work and visiting Canada, so there’s a hideous pile of clothes in the corner and my bed needs some attention.
Lazy-boy problem: Do not open the closet door.
Music-snob problem: I have a playlist on Spotify called “Bitch, please” and it’s perfect music to bump when you’re getting ready.
Funny-face problem: So I decided to go with contacts. And I can’t take a serious picture. Ever.
Death-by-carb problem: We ate at one of my favorite places downtown, Cibo. Then we went to see a guy named Prince Royce at the Comerica (which used to be the Dodge). Aside from the people working at the venue, there were about 10 white people at the concert.

Drinking problem: Two gay guys walk into a straight bar…no joke. Just what happened. Sidebar in Phoenix is less of a “straight bar” and more of a “bi-curious bar.” Modern furnishings. Color scheme. Glass doors in the bathroom.
Serious drinking problem: It had been nearly 30 minutes since the last drink, so we had to have one more at my place.
Posted October 15th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

So today is the 15th…I’ve been a bit busy and haven’t been able to post the 12 photos I took on the 12th.
On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are the photos I took on October 12th, 2011:

This nun sits on my desk next to my computer and greets me each morning. If you wind her up, she walks and shoots sparks out of her mouth. If you aren’t familiar, I have a collection of nun figurines (explained here).
Gotta go. Gotta go. Gotta go.

My office is located in Scottsdale’s Skysong under these circus-tent things. They are actually pretty cool-looking, but they serve absolutely no purpose.

Here’s another view. I went on an afternoon walk with Jenna and Chris. Jenna did a 12 of 12 this month, btw…and guess who made an appearance in her 12?? Check it.
I went for a swim after work. Yes, I wear a Speedo, but they are the trunks. I don’t look good in the banana-swing kind (everyone looks foolish in those). Okay…well maybe not EVERYONE.
I made dinner for a guy many months ago on a “date” and he brought wine. Pro Tip: when dating a person with diabetes, wine is not the best gift. The half-drunk bottle has sat on the counter for some time because I like to look like a person that drinks wine.
It’s Wednesday…so that means it’s the Diabetes Social Media Chat on Twitter. I logged in a bit late because of my swim.
This is my latest CorningWare find from the Goodwill. I’m kind of obsessed with this. I want to fill my kitchen with old CorningWare stuff.
Tools I use because I’ve got a busted pancreas.
Serious old-man status. I’m about ready to turn in.
I read for about an hour. This is the 2nd novel in the Woman’s Murder Club series. And it’s deliciously trashy and predictable. I can’t put it down.
If I’m old-man status, shouldn’t I be able to skip this stuff? Thirty years old and still using zit cream. I’ve got all the worries and woes of an adult…and the skin of a 16-year-old.
Posted October 3rd, 2011 by Mike Lawson
It’s Monday! So here is my new mantra on my mirror for the week. Each week I write a little inspirational message on a post-it and put it on my bathroom mirror. Throughout the week I try to focus on this message to get me through the week.
What’s your mantra for the week? Send me a photo.
Here is my mantra for this week:


Posted September 13th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from September 12, 2011.
I start every Monday by writing then photographing a little inspirational message…called my Mirror Mantra.
Then I go and post the mantra on all the social networks.
I woke up high. I’ve had a heck of a time with my basal insulin…I think I’m due for some basal testing. But I don’t really know how.
My friend Warren is a celebrity that can be seen both in TV and on print ads.
My day was kind of boring…so I’m overloading my 12 of 12 with pictures from dinner.
Any guesses on what I’m making?
Eggs always go bad at my house…so whatever I didn’t use in my recipe I immediately boil and use for egg salad.
Rice, egg salad and meatloaf.
Editing the podcast. Did you know I do a weekly audio show called The Game Night Guys? Go listen.
Instead of posting my 12 of 12 in the evening of the 12th I wrote this diabetes post in which I use the word “bitch” about a dozen times.
Obligatory 12 of 12 insulin shot.
Night y’all.
Posted August 13th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from August 12, 2011.
Updating my iPod with new podcasts before I leave for work.
Without hair product.
With hair product.
Woke up a little high. I’ve struggled with the blood glucose roller coaster this week. Lots of highs and lows.
My office is under these circus-looking things. They serve no real purpose, but they are pretty (especially at night).
Another thing that serves no purpose are these big flashy flat screens in the lobby.
This is us horsemanning. I guess it’s a thing.
Woah…so meta. This is Bethany and Kerri tweeting me about my 12 of 12.
Dinner.
Why am I here?! This place is like the Applebees of gay bars.
I swear to god I stepped on this in the parking structure. And before you start making jokes, it isn’t mine.
The best hangover cure: iced water and insulin before bed. My camera was hijacked, and I didn’t actually take this photo…but I’m using it anyway.
Posted July 12th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from July 12, 2011.
My new morning routine includes a pot of coffee and an hour of Rachel Maddow.
I woke up high…and not in a fun psychedelic sort of way.
When this song came on the iPod I had to nap a picture because it reminds me of another 12-of-12 blogger Bethany.
Brian sent me an email to ask if I was doing 12 of 12 today. The answer is yes, yes I am.
The Mirror Mantra from this week is one of my favorites.
Low-carb snack…looks disgusting, tastes delicious.
This treat sounds gross, but is actually really good. I eat peanut butter on my dill pickles.
The next two books I’m going to read.
What an ugly fridge.
New vial of insulin this evening.
Two of my bathroom bulbs have burnt out.
All of my past Mirror Mantra Post-Its are on my bookshelf.
Posted May 13th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from May 12, 2011.

The best part of waking up...is vitamin burps.

I really need to do laundry. Mom bought me that shirt for Christmas last year and this is the first time I've worn it.

When I don't have off-site meetings scheduled, I drive to the Park-And-Ride and take the Light Rail to work. I get a lot of reading done this way.

This is my second-to-last day at the Club and I have a lot on my calendar! A 44oz diet soda was in order.

I've taken down all my kid art and boxed up all my toys. Sad day.

Here's my soccer team. We were stopped at a stop-light...don't worry. They won, btw.

Long legs.

Before I left, I played a couple games of air hockey.

Dinner.

Bolus.

Real dinner. Oven roasted veggies (thanks to Sara from HMDWL for the idea) and pasta.
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Snacked on some nuts before bed. [Insert gay joke here
Posted April 12th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from April 12, 2011.
So I started the day by walking to Starbucks to read the paper. I’ve come to realize that I go to Starbucks a lot. Look at my past 12 of 12s and you’ll see that I’m there almost every month. Well this is my new weekday tradition…I’m going to walk to the Bux and get some coffee and read the paper.
I do not live in the best neighborhood, and there is a lot of graffiti. I was kind of confused when I saw this one though…it’s graffiti on an orange. ?!?!
Breakfast this morning: Whole milk, banana, chocolate whey
My friend Michelle sent me a CD of the images from our photo shoot and included this note that could totally be construed as something naughty.
Even though I’m done with the bux, the floor board of my car is full of green aprons.
I was in a training ALL day and didn’t take any photos. Then after work I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some things.
Mail!
Our cute welcome mat. The lowercase “h” makes it totally informal.
It’s laundry day.
Dinner cooks. Laundry tumbles. I tweet and watch Soap.
My drug paraphernalia.
Sadly, I’m already ready for bed. I love my clock at this height, but people always comment on it. What do you think?
Posted March 15th, 2011 by Mike Lawson

On the 12th day of each month bloggers from all over the world take 12 photos of their day. The 12 of 12 project was Chad’s idea, and you can go to his website to see the links of all the people who participated this month.
And you can see all of my 12 of 12s by going to my 12 of 12 page.
Here are my photos from March 12, 2011.
Breakfast.
I get love notes at work all the time. I’ve blogged about these notes before [link].
The French Connection was part of the 100 movies in 2011 project. Temple Grandin has been on my list since the Oscars last year.
My cluttered bedside table.
After working at the Bux I took a little nap and turned on some 24 before getting ready to go out.
Messy bed.
Cup of Joe and a little James Patterson.
Shower…done. Self-portrait in the bathroom mirror…check.
Dinner.
Headed downtown.
For my heroin…..JAY KAY. Just a quick insulin nightcap.
Sleep.