New job and a new 'friend'

Who would have ever thought that I would actually work with someone that is also gluten-free! I'm super excited about this. She's been gluten-free for 20+ years and most of her family is also gluten-free and have been for years! I'm excited and look forward to swapping information and learning how to have a gluten-free kitchen that is efficient and doable for not only a tight budget but also a busy life style. When I told her I was also allergic, she was shocked. I'm assuming it's because of my weight.... which doesn't surprise me and is also one reason why I'm always undergoing more testing to see what other allergies I've developed. Although, if there's anything I've learned, is that a gluten-free person doesn't fit into any stereotype. We all have come to this lifestyle for different reasons and might have other allergies associated with us and other health problems. Granted, I'm not extremely overweight, but I'm also not skinny like a model. (But the issue that I haven't been able to lose more weight has raised concerns that there's more to my gluten allergy then originally thought.) Anyway... I love my new job working with my favorite arts and crafts and look forward to learning from a veteran gluten-free person!

Being a Gluten-Free Student

I started back to school this fall and am realizing how hard being a gluten-free student can be. While I don't like on campus and don't eat in the campus cafeteria, I can only imagine how hard it has to be to not eat pizza when pizza is available EVERY day in most college campuses. When I was in college before my diagnose and living on campus, eating the dorm food and living the dorm life, I'm pretty sure I lived not only off of carbs, but namely gluten/pasta/bread based carbs. No wonder the Freshmen-15 is so high. Anyway, I was contemplating this as I was driving from one campus to another for classes and thought about the little vending machines and cafe based stores on the campuses and even asked the cashier about gluten-free (who gave me a funny look like what the hell is that). I have become super diligent about reading ALL indregients on packages of food I buy cause not all labels say CONTAINS: WHEAT or what not. I was surprised to learn that I can eat cheetos and cool ranch doritos. Keep in mind, cross-contamanation might accure, but still, not wheat... all corn based. Every interesting. I was also very excited to know that, upon talking to someone else in campus admin, that they have looked at their products and are looking at more items that are accomodating to the dietary needs of their students, like Thai Kitchen! (All gluten-free) This also included sugar-free items and what not. I thought that that was very interesting and exciting, the question is, just how long will this take. lol, well that's my ramblings for now! Maybe while on campus tonight, I'll find something more!