Searching for new words

I didn't realize that I had so many friends until I became more irregular with my notes on this site. I am thankful to all of you for your emails and notes, and I owe you a sincere apology.

I know it's been almost three weeks since my last post (gosh, this feels like confession...being Baptist/Methodist, though, I'm not sure what else to do).

Here's the problem: I've stopped cooking meals for myself because I eat such a different, irregular diet. Because of this, I don't try new gluten-free food and recipes. And because of THIS, I don't post anything because I don't know what to say. I don't crave food any more. I just eat it. And I eat it GF of course.

This week has been a great Spring break, though. I've had two weeks with my Randy (one in Milly, now one in Tampa because our breaks don't match). I haven't lifted a finger in work (ok, I graded papers...) and have rested. School is back Monday. I'll be there!

Today I do have something to say. A couple of somethings....

1. Happy Happy Birthday (yesterday) to my GFBFF Kate of Gluten-Free Gobsmacked. I sent you a tweet, and a care package will be on its way as soon as I'm done spring breaking.

2. As you read on Kate's blog, you'll see that her fondest dream is about to come true -- her baby daughter, aka "The Chicklet" will be here April 9! She has a visa and a plane ticket and will soon be in her Mommie's loving hands (and Daddy's, too). And her Auntie Ging and Uncle GFSteve can't wait. I am so honored that I know her name and have seen her precious picture. Kate, can I tell you how happy I am for you?

3. Another one of my "daughters" (former advisees) had her first son last week, and I of course have a new adopted grandbaby. Congrats to you Rikki and welcome to Caleb Fisher McMillan. He's a doll. XOXO.

4. In GF business...The NFCA has a new updated website, and it is really increasing its presence in social media. So follow them on Twitter (GFCA) and Facebook if you're gluten free.

Here's some news about NFCA if you're curious. I would like to say here that the NFCA GF Guide really was my bible when I first went GF. I admire NFCA. There's direct link to NFCA on the right side bar of my blog. But, in a nutshell:

The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) was formed as a national 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization to raise awareness of celiac disease among the general public and the healthcare community, to facilitate research to better understand the causes, mechanisms, and treatment of celiac disease, and improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by this autoimmune disease. One of the many tools we utilize to achieve our goal is through our website www.celiaccentral.org. Here we offer tools such as our symptom checklist, information on diagnosis and treatment, and a gluten-free survival guide. We also keep the public up to date with the latest celiac/gluten-free news, recipes, NFCA events and links to even more information and resources.

OK, that'a about all I got. I have another five weeks of school and three weeks of Maymester, and I get a break in June. Counting the days? MOI?

Much love, and thanks for hanging with me!

News from The Gluten Intolerance Group

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is please to announce a national
awareness campaign: "Chef to Plate - Celebrating Restaurants Serving Up
Gluten-Free Awareness"

This campaign is to provide support to those restaurants with gluten-free
menus and spread awareness of celiac disease and other forms of gluten
intolerances through a national awareness campaign.

Campaign Goals:

*Spread national awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance
conditions during May, Celiac Awareness Month

*Spread recognition and awareness of restaurants with gluten-free menu
options

*Bring Peace of Mind to persons with gluten intolerances when dining out

*Joining of restaurants across the country in a day of awareness

This campaign is about spreading awareness of celiac disease and gluten
intolerances and the restaurants that provide GF offerings - not the
promotion of any specific restaurant program.

By working together we can promote awareness of celiac disease and gluten
intolerances with the greatest amount of resources - the gluten intolerant
community. "Helping Hands to Provide Peace of Mind" is GIG's volunteer
program and is a grass roots effort to support persons living with gluten
intolerances through GIG's various programs and activities. Grassroots
efforts to spread awareness can accomplish a lot with minimal financial
resources.

Leaders across the celiac community have been invited to join this awareness
effort. Anyone can help.

*Be a Campaign Leader

*Spread Awareness - blog about it, pass it on to everyone you know

*Volunteer to help with the administration of the campaign

*Participate in the event

If you would like to help or know a restaurant that would be interested,
please contact GFRAP@gluten.net or visit http://gluten.net/events.php


Cynthia Kupper, RD, Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group of North America

31214 - 124 Ave SE, Auburn WA 98092

P: 253-833-6655, ext. 104; F: 253-833-6675

www.GLUTEN.net;
www.GFCO.org;
www.GlutenFreeRestaurants.org


Much love for a great cause!

Ging

Getting back to normal

I know, it's been AGES. I realized today it has been three weeks since I last blogged here.

I know I need to catch up. I'm finally well from my viral infection after a round of antibiotics and some medicine adjustments. In the meantime, my main gastroparesis medication, Reglan, has received an FDA Black Box warning, so I'm waiting to hear from my doctor about its continued use.

Whew. Where did the time go? I feel like I lost the entire month of February. In fact, I did.

So what's new in the gluten-free world? Not much is new in my corner, but I hope to get back to myself soon and begin offering some new Spring recipes for gluten-free eating.

I just wanted to duck in for a minute and say hi. Hi. And I'll be back really soon, I promise.

Much love, and thanks for the caring!
Ging