Well Rested

The madness is finally over. Only another 329 days until the unofficial start of Christmas begins. Enough with that for now.

Over the Christmas holiday, I receive an email from my half-brother who lives in Florida stating that our father was in the hospital. My brother and I do not speak to our father. He heard the news through one of his maternal family members from back home in the Mid-Atlantic. I know my brother probably couldn't get much information about the hospitalization, etc. I know my father has to be really sick for him to be hospitalized. He absolutely hates hospitals and doctors. I am actually surprised that my father has lived this long.

The last time I acutally saw my father was before I went off to college. It was not a good time. I had to call the police and have him arrested. He has hated me from that point on. We never got a long since I can remember from my childhood. We are two completely different people. If he is to pass away, I will not attend any service for him. My father's family hates me just as much as he does because I decided to better my life and not stick with the family. I will cry when I know he has passed on, but that's only because I have some of his DNA. After that, life goes on.

Merry Christmas

Staying home for the Christmas holiday so I can work both jobs. I do have off Sunday and Monday. Looking forward to spending time with my boyfriend and his family. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas. I'll wish the Happy New Year part when it approaches. -Monica

Gluten Free Beer !

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/AnheuserBuschOffersSorghumBeer.aspx

On Monday night, I have decided to completely give up all wine, gf beer, and other gf liquors. I can not handle liquor what so ever. I had a frozen strawberry shortcake with dinner. There is very little liquor in this drink. Well, I started to turn red and get warm just after two sips. I will not go thru this any longer. So, I have cut out alochol all together.

But to my gluten free friends who can handle gf beer, cheers!

Another Weekend

There is nothing like being sick. I have a sinus infection that will not leave. I have had it since Thanksgiving weekend. This weekend I worked and rested. I did bake a little for a party on Tuesday. I have a doctor's appointment soon.

I decided what I am going to about the company holiday gathering. I will be taking a half day off from work. I will not go to the company holiday gathering. However, I will be using this time to visit a former supervisor from my job in college and taking her out to lunch. I know I am avoiding the gluten-filled situation by not going to the company holiday gathering. I am one who usually does not avoid things. It is hard for people to understand this. I can't risk myself getting sick and then not being able to work my part-time job.

Gluten-Filled Holiday Gathering

We just found out where our company holiday gathering will be this year, a local BBQ tavern. I feel selfish for saying this, but doesn't anyone here at work think about me. I mean, we have a very small staff. It's not like I am just a number with my work. A BBQ tavern is not the best of places for a person with a gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It's just not asking the cook/chef not to put a bun on my sandwich. There is another whole issue about cross contamination. I get sick from one measley gluten containing crumb!

I am going to try to ask if I can skip the get together. I have tried this in the past, but it does not work. So, what I am supposed to do? Just sit there and watch everyone eat and drink until their heads and stomachs explode? I think not! I need to come up with a way to get out of this. Calling out sick is not an option as I have a monthly report due that day.

I have tried explaining my condition to my peers. Do you think anyone actually listens? Nope. Time after time, pizza, sandwiches, cookies, gluten containing items are ordered for meetings. I have spoken up before about ordering something that I could eat. The answer is why don't we order a salad for you. If I wanted a frickin salad I would have said so. When I know we are having a meeting in advance, I bring one of microwable gluten free meals. Amy's gf (gluten-free) veg lasanga or Amy's gf mac n cheese are good. Nothing like homemade, but it's gf food. I can't exactly bring my own food to this place.

If anyone has any idea how to get me out of this, please leave a comment.

Snow and Lights

It snowed today. Granted, it melted as soon as it hit the roadways, but it did accumulate a little on grassy surfaces. Thankfully, the sun is trying to come out today.

Last night, we went to Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, MA. I enjoyed driving around looking at all of beautiful light displays. There were several worlds sponsored by different companies. There was a toyland section sponsored by none other, Hasbro Games. There was another section sponsored by a local landscaping business which displayed dinosaurs. Overall, it was well worth the trip.

Starting with tomorrow, I will start posting about how to shop for sheets, etc. I realized over the weekend while working at my part-time job, people are absolutely clueless how to shop for sheets. There are people who don't know their size of their own bed.

Another Gray Day

It is still gray outside and now it is raining. Thankfully, it's not snow. I like playing in the snow, however, people up in Southern New England do not know how to drive in it.