Yesterday at the market, one of our new volunteers (Linda) talked to me for an hour about being on a gluten-free diet. Her husband has been on a very strict gluten-free diet for two years. His energy has increased so much and the headaches and stomachaches he was so used to are just gone. He lost nine pounds in the first two weeks.

I’m seriously considering switching to a gluten-free diet. I have been so low energy for my whole life and it has gotten worse in the past few years. I have regular headaches and my stomach is always hurting. I don’t think I have celiac disease (my friend/roommate in college had it and I know that whatever I have is not as serious as celiac disease) but I do think that switching to a gluten-free diet would be worth a shot.

Most of the foods I already eat are gluten-free. I eat wheat pasta and wheat bread so I’d have to get rid of that. Linda suggested switching to rice noodles but didn’t have a good bread substitute. I wouldn’t be able to drink beer and I’d have to be careful about the types of liquor I consume— the good news is that Seagram’s 7 is gluten free. Many candies are not gluten free as they’re often dusted with flour. I’d have to be extra careful while going out to eat, which I think is the biggest factor. I’d also have to be careful about preparing my lunch in the mornings before I leave for work.

I’m thinking that I may switch on February 1st. I want to make sure I have a grasp of all of the gluten-free safe foods and what foods/ingredients to avoid. I also want to make sure I have an arsenal of recipes, etc. before I switch over. But I’m strongly considering it. Has anyone had an experience or any knowledge of a gluten-free diet?

Today I made my grandma’s spaghetti and totally. Effed. It. Up. A waste of an hour and a half and $10-15. Last time I made it, I messed up the pasta which was an easy fix. This time the biggest part was burned and just tasted like crap.

I thought I was getting better (now that I’m more attentive when I cook) but the last few things I’ve made have been bad and this was a complete disaster. It’s just discouraging. That’s all I have to say about it.

Anyway, spaghetti try #2— D+.

December 21 Project. What did you start this year that you’re proud of?

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As I’ve stated many times this year, I’m a packrat. I get it from my parents who have a three car garage filled with boxes of junk and old furniture instead of cars. This year I made an effort to get rid of my junk and become less attached to objects. I think I’ve made a fairly good attempt to do so. I got rid of seven trashbags in my move from one apartment to another. I have four bags of clothes in my car (they just need to be dumped in a donation dumpster, but I’m halfway there). I’d say I’ve been fairly successful at that project.

Another project I’ve started is the project in which I stop being a terrible cook. My mom says that I’m nesting but I maintain that I’m just trying to become an adult. I’ve now made stir fry on my own, spaghetti sauce on my own, egg nog on my own and I’ve become a successful egg poacher. Next on the agenda is cooking Christmas dinner with my mom. Eep! I give myself an A for effort and a B for cooking success. (Pictures below)

I’ve already posted this photo once on here:

That’s from my grandma’s after funeral party (because she was big into parties). Anyway, Sandra Bullock was on Jay Leno last week and spent a large segment talking about MeeMaw (her Aunt Luddy) and White Trash. Here’s the clip.