The Fennels: Gluten Free

What is gluten?

Before last week, I really didn't have a clue. I knew it was something related to bread, but didn't understand all of the specifics about it. That was last week.

Now, I feel like I could write a freaking book about it.

You see...

About three years ago, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis.

Well wait --

They couldn't officially diagnose me with Endo without going into surgery to take a look themselves. But lets just say that the three doctors I've talked to agree and I have 8 of the 9 symptoms of this lovely condition --- I could very well have the 9th symptom as well but we won't know it until I can have surgery.

What about surgery? What about fertility? What about a hysterectomy?

Those are entirely different posts -- probably tons and tons of different posts -- that I quite honestly don't have all the answers to right now.

This post is about pain.

Ouch!

That horrible pain that is associated with Endometriosis. The pain that I thought for eight years was normal for women and that everyone dealt with. Oh no, my dear friends. It wasn't normal. Not at all. This pain even has a special name - Dysmenorrhea. (which is a really long word for nausea, the inability to stand up, the feeling of knives in your stomach, and "I just want to curl in a ball and die" pain that doesn't happen for just a week -- More like 15-20 days out of the month).

Yuck!

The pain is so unbearable that I often compare it to passing kidney stones (which I've done several times, too). And I just can't decide which one is more "fun." Trust me, they both suck in their own special way.

So for years now, I've been dealing with the pain and thinking there really wasn't anything I could do about it. Well last week, I was so fed up and miserable that I started researching it a lot and found out that gluten (specifically wheat) has a direct link to pain in Endo. More importantly, eliminating gluten (along with reducing red meat, pork, and dairy consumption ----Ay Caramba!!!!) could have a huge positive impact on reducing pain.

Adios Gluten and friends!

I shared this somewhat exciting news (a light at the end of the tunnel) and somewhat horrible news (Bye bye donuts, pizza, pancakes, cheeseburgers, and everything delicious) with Matt and we decided that I should indulge in as much gluten (all my favorites) for the weekend before starting gluten free (GF) on Monday. Enjoy the pictures.

Matt was there for emotional support. And to pay for the bill.

Kidding! Oh people!! Joint Checking.

Beer.

Fried Pickles.

Buffalo Wild Wings fries and wings.

Breakfast

Pancakes.

Red Robin (SO SAD!)

After this extreme indulgence on so much bad food, we learned that there are LOTS of GF alternatives. For example:

The only "beer" that I like (Angry Orchard) is naturally GF. Yay!
The Fresh 20 (Remember this post?) has GF meal plans and they switched it over free of charge!
My favorite cheeseburger place -- Red Robin -- has gluten free buns! YUM!
Most grocery stores have GF breads, pancake mix, flour, cereal -- and pretty much anything if you do your research.
I found lots of help from Gluten Free Goddess, Gluten Free Girl, and from people I know who have gone GF. They say its absolutely imperative that you get support throughout this lifestyle change and Matt has been amazing and is more than willing to eat GF meals. But--- he will not give up Craft Beer --- understandable.

All of our gluten free groceries

We are roadtripping in about two weeks and I'm really nervous about vacationing, eating out, and staying GF -- but honestly, I just don't have a choice anymore. There's no way I could enjoy all these gluten filled foods knowing it causes me pain. Keep your fingers crossed that I will stay this strong.

In other news:

We went to Madison's downtown Farmer's Market and inside the capital for the first time ever. We've lived in Madison for three years. What took us so long?? I have no idea! We had a blast.

Matt peeking in the Supreme Courtroom.

Me peeking my camera into the Supreme Courtroom

In honor of Memorial Day.

A replica of the Liberty Bell

Of course we bought Catnip and Fennel. I mean, its us.

My amazing hubby.

The Sunday before Memorial Day, we drove to Rockford to spend the day with my parents. We ate a yummy meal my mom made for us, played some Sequence, and got a "day in the life of Pam and Sam Smith" view.

Drive to Rockford.

Dinner.

This is apparently what they do most nights: Sit side by side, iPads in hand, dog and cat on laps while watching TV. We asked them if they email each other back and forth and, believe it or not, my dad answered with, "Pam, did you get my email I sent the other night?"

Sigh.

I just love them so....

Our neighbors across the street (who is also a Little Gym Family!) gave me a kiddie pool full of hostas, daylillies, and irises -- all perennials, all beautiful. I was so excited to get them into the flower bed in the back. So I put my good ol' hubs to work.

After Matt dug all of the holes, I planted them into the ground.

EEK!

I hope they survive. I guess we will see.......

Matt is most excited to announce that we have officially made plans to purchase his parents' old 1995 Sea Ray 18ft. Speed Boat. His parents got a gorgeous BIG boat over the Winter and Matt helped Papa Fennel pick it up on Thursday. He was quite excited.

^ A picture of Papa Fennel's new boat.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of our actual boat, but here is an example of the same length, year, and model we are buying. Ours is white and gray. (You will also be happy to know, our boat doesn't have bright red flooring/carpet) Thank God.

We cannot wait to get on the water this Summer, but the water levels are too high for us to move the lifts around the pier. Urgh! Patiently waiting.......

I will post pictures of our actual boat and our first outing (when that time comes....)

Also, (not as exciting but...) we bought a new bed this weekend.

(The model in the Show Room)

.....so Ernie and Matt could do more of this.....

The new bed will be put in our room after we get our new carpet installed (sometime in July!). So excited.

This coming weekend: Matt and I are meeting my sister and heading over to Milwaukee for our Trash the Dress session! So plan on seeing those on here after we get back from our trip.

Right Now: There is a tornado watch tonight until 1am. NO! I hate them! I'm nervous and trying to convince Matt to sleep with me in our finished basement/mancave so we don't get blown away. Lulu seems to agree.