Second Anniversary

I recently passed the second anniversary of one of the most significant events in my life. It's not my wedding anniversary or the birth of any of my children...rather, it's the anniversary of my celiac disease diagnosis. The day a simple blood test confirmed I had it, seriously rocked my world, and everything I'd ever known.

I was never one of those dieters who stopped eating any food in particular, to shed weight. Not liking something was the only thing that would keep me from eating it. If I was told not to have a slice of french bread, I'd begin craving it. That was, until I was informed by a knowledgeable medial professional that one slice of french bread was breaking down my small intestines, and therefore affecting my entire health.

To celebrate my milestone, I ate gluten-free donuts for breakfast. They weren't the best donuts I'd ever tasted, but they satisfied my cravings, to a certain degree. When you are unable to eat anything containing wheat, barley, rye or oats- you come to learn that donuts are a commodity, similar to a fine tasting wine, meant to be savored.

For information on Celiac Disease visit, www.celiac.com
Celiac sprue is an inflammatory condition caused by intolerance to gluten, a substance found in wheat and other grains. The inability to digest and process this substances may lead to inflammation of the intestines, vitamin deficiencies due to lack of absorption of nutrients, and bowel abnormalities. Gluten may be found in many foods, especially processed foods and baked goods. Breads, cakes, desserts that use thickeners, alcoholic beverages (except wine), cereals and pastas may all contain gluten.

So Much To Be Thankful For

I am thankful for so much this year...first and foremost, my husband, who is back from his second tour to Iraq, which also allows me to say I am thankful that he is home. I'm thankful for the three greatest people I know-my children; Madison, Peyton and Allison. And the list continues...my family, my husband's family, our home, our neighborhood, food to eat, quality healthcare, my childrens' school and teachers, my new cell phone which allows me to text faster (very cool), that it isn't raining today, that my family survived Swine Flu, my computer, my writing opportunities, the treadmill who happens to be my most consistent running buddy as long as I remember to plug her in.

I'm also grateful for the sacrifices the military makes to ensure our freedom, and the opportunities we have in our country. I'm thankful my toddler is almost completely potty trained and the progression of her vocabulary, my son's imagination and gentle spirit, and my oldest daughter's reading ability and big heart. I'm thankful that I was able to see both my Uncle Pat and Grandpa in the weeks before they passed away and that our family was able to come together and not only mourn the loss of them but also share memories of our time together. I am thankful for life and the love that surrounds me daily.

Happy Thanksgiving

Success Story

Well I did it...I went and saw New Moon The Twilight Saga, in the theater. The movie itself followed the book fairly closely, even having me root for Jacob, as I did while reading the novel. The theater was packed, and there were showings scheduled to begin every half an hour, with lines stretching through the lobby. It got me to thinking about Stephanie Meyer, the author, and marveling at what a success story she is.

What's truly amazing to me is that Twilight was her first publication. After completing the manuscript, she queried several agents, got some rejections and no-responses, before being discovered by an assistant who was intrigued by her story. Stephanie Meyer was asked for a partial and then a full read of the manuscript, and well- the rest is history. I haven't walked through a bookstore in quite some time without seeing an entire display devoted to Twilight.

As a writer, it's a dream to find a literary agent willing to represent you and then sell your book. I don't know of anyone who says, "Wow...this novel I've written is bound to be a best seller, turning into a series of bestsellers, and then blockbuster films." Well, maybe some people do...I don't. I think the most important thing for a writer is to actually write the stories in their head, to finish a manuscript they truly believe in, and to have other people want to read their work. That is the true success we strive for. Stephanie Meyer's story started with a dream- literally- and has become a sensation. She is the one-in-a-billion success story. Congratulations to her...and to the rest of us- just keep writing, you know it's the only thing you want to do.

What Day Is It?

Wow, it's almost the end of November. I went back to my doctor on Tuesday- the third time in just as many weeks, to learn I'm not only recovering from H1N1, but that I now have a secondary infection. Turns out the dizziness, confusion, headaches, and nausea are the result of a sinus infection. The good news...I can take antibiotics for it. I'm still tired and not feeling at all like my normal self, but the medication is helping, and I'm hopeful I'll be back to my usual energy level by Christmas.

I looked at the calendar today with the realization that I've been sick for a month now, and next week is already Thanksgiving. This weekend will be filled with plenty of food shopping and planning for the the long holiday weekend. I look forward to putting up the Christmas tree, baking cookies and serving my traditional Pumpkin Roll. I'm also planning on adding another reason to be thankful this year...our bout with the Swine Flu is over.

Defensive Driving

Although I took Driver's Education in high school, something like twenty years ago, I think I may need a refresher course. More specifically, I might need a crash course- so to speak- in defensive driving. My primary reason to acquire this skill is for one reason...shopping at Costco.

Yesterday my family stopped by the local Costco to grab a few things. Mistake #1: it was a Sunday afternoon. To say that it was busy, is an understatement. As I was grabbing a shopping cart, while being rained on, after finding a parking space a good distance from the Costco entrance, I got to thinking about how we all need defensive driving in order to shop here. And I'm not just talking about our cars, I'm also referring to the carts we use inside of the warehouse.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. Parking at Costco can be a time consuming and stressful situation. Many people (myself not included) find it unacceptable to park a certain distance from the entrance, forcing them to walk. Therefore, they proceed to drive down each aisle until a closer spot becomes available. In some instances- they choose to wait for a mom with children, to unload her full cart, put the kids into the car, and put the cart away. In so doing this, they avoid the obvious fact that if they had parked further away, they would already be halfway through the store by now. As an added convenience, they have blocked traffic for a minimum of five other cars who are also waiting for the perfect parking spot. As the flustered mom hurries to vacate her spot, tensions mount in the Costco lot...defensive driving is a must.

2. Careening through the store with a cart. Now this part becomes tricky. One must always be aware of their surroundings while moving through Costco, especially if you have a couple of kids in tow. Shoppers must be visually aware when they come to a standstill...an indicator that they have arrived at a food sample display flanked by hungry shoppers. People are willing to wait for long periods of time for that small sliver of heated frozen pizza- as long as it's free. Please be aware as you move around these kiosks.

3. The Book/Movie aisles. Costco is not designed like a book store or a Blockbuster Video. With people pushing large carts, and books stacked in piles, in no particular order- it should be noted that now is not the time to pick up a book, park your cart, and proceed to read the first two chapters. Not only is this dangerous for you...a defensive driver should always stay aware of the perils around her. This is also quite annoying to shoppers who are trying to move past you without ramming you in the backside, accidentally. I feel that this section of Costco should be like the Airport drop off area, where a person over a loudspeaker says, "This is a no parking zone. There is no stopping. Drivers must remain in the vehicle at all times."

4. The in-store parking lot. Another parking lot exists at Costco- at the food court. Seriously, Costco has the cheapest food in town, and why not capitalize on it? Please be advised to park your cart at an angle, in front of the tile and carpet displays, while you eat. I don't think anyone will take your groceries, so have faith that the cart will still be there after you've finished your hot dog and drink.

Preparing for Veteran's Day

I'm deeply saddened by the devastating violence at Fort Hood, TX yesterday. My condolences go out to the Soldiers who were killed, or injured, and their families. To know that an Officer who was trusted, and one of the U.S. Military, was behind the shootings is incomprehensible and heartbreaking.

My husband recently returned from his second deployment, to Iraq. He has been an Officer in the Army National Guard for thirteen years, making me the proud wife of a Veteran. That's not to say that I've always understood his job or been unwaveringly supportive. Yes, I've cursed the Military for taking him away from us during Deployments, I've joked about the ongoing use of acronyms in what I call "Army Talk," and I've shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes whenever our plans have been interrupted by an unexpected training or call to Flood Duty. No, I haven't been the best military spouse around, but I find it difficult to believe that even the most amazing wife in the world would want to kiss her husband goodbye as he leaves her to go to war.

Next week we will celebrate Veteran's Day. For many it is just a date on the calendar, or perhaps a day off of work, in the middle of the week. For me, it's a day when I remember all those who have fought for our Country, including those who are currently stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other dangerous areas of the world. It is a day when I remind my children how much their Dad sacrifices to keep us safe- how much we as a family sacrifice so he is able to do his job. Next week, on Veteran's Day, I will reminisce about all of the times I've watched my husband lace up his boots, or prepare for a PT test, or arrange his beret on his head. I will recall the two Bronze Star Medals he has earned, the promotions he's received, and the way my heart breaks each time he is deployed. Most importantly, I will be proud...proud of a man who fights for our country, who stands up for what he believes in, and who isn't afraid to shower his children with hugs and kisses at night, when he tucks them into bed.

What Is Up With "Desperate Housewives?"

The only positive aspect, of having H1N1, is that I've caught up on the "Desperate Housewives" episodes I recorded. Although, I should clarify...that's a slight positive, as I'm finding myself scratching my head and thinking...have I seen this all before?

I'll start by recapping a major event at the end of last season- the killing off of Nicollette Sheridan's character, Edie Britt. Basically, she was married to a total psycho and got electrocuted after being struck by lightening. Seriously. The thing is, I really liked Edie Britt and was sad to see her go. Yet, I'm finding myself wondering if she really left, or has she morphed into Dana Delany's character, Katherine Mayfair? Originally, the love triangle with Susan and Mike involved Edie. She lusted after him and made Teri Hatcher's, Susan, miserable and scheming and completely hopeless. Now Katherine Mayfair is essentially doing the exact same thing. C'mon ladies...why mess with the formidable couple of the series? Susan and Mike are the Ross+Rachel, the Jim+Pam, the Derrick+Meredith of Wisteria Lane. Eventually the two will end up together.

Never has a series showcased lying and telling half-truths like this show. Characters lie to their spouses, their children, their bosses, each other. Yet, I continue watching. Now Bree has taken up with Susan's ex, Karl. Which means she is cheating on her second husband, Orson. Just thinking of this storyline makes me need a Prozac. Honestly, I miss Bree's first husband, Rex. His one liners were hysterical, and I thought it was tragic the way their pharmacist killed him through prescription medication. (Never, did I think I would write that sentence.) Lynette's having twins...again. That's the only thing I'll say about that because she and Tom are both pretty cool, in a weird married-with-children sort of way. My favorite part of this season is the addition of Drea de Matteo, formerly of "The Sopranos" and "Joey." She's added a certain bit of spunk and mystery to Wisteria Lane, and of course, we are left to wonder...what are you hiding from and what's with the scar?

So the original question remains. Why kill off Edie and make Katherine evil, in her place? Perhaps it was a matter of contract negotiations and finances. Either way, I liked Katherine better before her sole quest in life became stealing Mike Delfino back. And now Susan is led to believe that Katherine is the one who attacked Julie. Which I don't really see, considering Katherine's daughter(s) are Julie's friend, and the same age. So who did it? Perhaps Rex came back from the dead and decided to make a dramatic return to the neighborhood? Maybe Mrs. McCluskey was so frustrated with her love phobic boyfriend that she just lost it? Maybe Katherine really did take her frustration out on innocent Julie...I've admitted to being wrong before. My guess though, is Angie Bolen...that's right, Drea de Matteo's character. I guess we'll see if I'm right come May Sweeps.