Turtle

Thanks Happygirl!

No worries....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

Thank you everyone for all the replies. When situations of this nature arise I always try to think about the big picture and take in all points of view. I admit I am frustrated that this wedding is going to cost me a lot more than I anticiapted but I will deal with that. It's just money....and there are more important things in life than money.

HOWEVER, the line was crossed when I was treated like a leper & as a "problem" b/c I have Celiac Disease. It was just VERY hurtful and shocking to me to be treated in such a manner....but i'm a big girl and I will handle this with respect and dignity and carry on.

I did make some comments to a few of you and what you had to say...thanks again and I appreciate the feedback in how to continue handling this as the bigger person...

AndreaB

NO, I’m not offended by your post. Thanks for your thoughts!

Ekatherine

Thanks for making me laugh!! And YES I agree with your other two cents as well. Just now sure how that will play out…my parents feel an obligation, I feel an obligation so it makes things sticky.

Snapple

YES! I did actually suggest this. But it did not go over well, so I didn’t push it.

Powederprincess and Ursula

HAHAHAHA!! Isn’t that the truth. Frankly I think it would serve her right…then maybe if she actually saw me sick she’d understand once and for all….*sigh*

Shaila

Thank you for simple, kind and encouraging words!!!

Dafadilly

You’re a trip!!! Thanks for the laugh!

Rusla

AMEN Sista!!!! I’m too freakin’ nice, that’s my problem…..

Pixiegirl

YES, you are right…we (our families that is) joke about her high maintenance personality and accepted that about her a long time ago. I could care less about the money, it’s just money. YES< it is a burden and it’s stressful but WHATEVER, in an effort to make her happy I’ll figure out how to pay for it somehow, someway. I’m just frustrated b/c in the beginning we were told it would be affordable (as in under $200) and now it’s over $200 & that’s JUST for the dress. (BTW, I’m not the only bridesmaid upset about this but that’s what the bride decided and wanted and now EVERYONE feels stuck). I always try to big the bigger person and rise above which is why things are the way they are. Unfortunately saying “no” would have been just as big of an issue. This is one of those situations where you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

And I did throw out the idea of talking with the caterer b/c like you I’m thinking “this is not a big deal, I’ll eat a potato or bring my own food”. Unfortunately, the bride did not take it that way.

Blueyedmanda

Well said. Thanks for the encouraging words.

Queen Serenity

To clarify: I do not consider her a “best friend”. I have simply known her for a VERY long time & we grew up together. Her mother is VERY dear to my parents and to me as well (similar to your situation). Her mother is like extended family. Unfortunately the bride must come from a different set of genes (HAHA) b/c she is so opposite of all the rest of us. We have always accepted and loved her all the same but since this whole wedding stuff started she’s become a different person. And YOU ARE RIGHT about stepping away. GREAT minds think alike as I’ve been thinking all along that once this wedding madness is over I think it’s best she just live her life and I live mine. I will always be civil, courteous, etc. But we just don’t jive anymore…THANK YOU for understanding.

Hawkfire

I can easily overlook her harsh words and her ridiculous ways. I’ve been doing it for YEARS! Today is nothing new. I would like to clarify that I’m not angry, hostile or rigid I’m simply frustrated at a few things and above all else HURT by her insensitive comments b/c I have Celiac Disease. Thanks for your input all the same.

Patti (my celiac guardian angel)

As always you understand me. YES, I felt like she crossed the line when she reacted so negatively to my Celiac Disease and the gluten-free Diet I have to adhere to 24/7. And obviously, the friendship doesn’t mean that much to her. That’s crystal clear and that’s fine. I’ve accepted that and will move on once this is all over with. And like you said worrying about what others think does unfortunately play a part in this particular situation b/c it’s NOT just about the bride. It’s about 2 families with over 27 years together. That’s my opinion anyway. I am not just thinking about the bride when I think about this wedding. Thanks for your wise words of wisdom and for always watching over me.

Okay...this is gonna be lengthy and i'm sorry! I'm not really a whiner and I usually just let things go, avoid conflict and let it all roll off my shell but i'm officially reaching my breaking point....Let's see if I can sum this up in a nutshell:

My childhood friend is getting married in June 2007. Myself and the other girl that grew up with us have been asked to serve as her Maid of Honors (MOH). Of course I accepted b/c i've known her for over 27 years and how do you say "no". My parents are best friends with her mother. My mom is giving the bridesmaid luncheon and other things to help with the wedding. So I felt obligated too. Many people have asked why don't you just back out of the wedding...well I nicely tried that and it made the bride FURIOUS! So i'm STUCK, bottom line. Plus her mother is awesome and as I said really close to my parents so I feel obligated and just want to keep the peace.

Well, the first issue has been that the bridesmaid dress is outrageously expensive. She's very high maintenance and EVERYTHING has to be name brand. Okay fine...it's just a dress and I got over it and will figure out a way to come up with the money some how some way. (Please Note: I was laid off back in April and have not been able to find full time work. I do however have a part time job, but the pay is only enough to cover my bills and doesn't leave much for "play" money. I'm interviewing and searching for full time work daily. May something land in my lap soon!!)

Anyway, I then step up to the plate and call the other MOH to talk to her about giving the bride a shower b/c that's what MOH's are supposed to do. I'm thinking things are going great with our chat and we're in agreement to the type of shower we want to give, etc. and all of a sudden she more or less informs me in a rather rude tone of how the shower will be, what will be served, who will cater it, etc. As stunned as I was, I once again just let it roll off my shell and just went with the flow and I will continue to do so allowing her to run the show to avoid drama and conflict. I will simply hand over my half of the money for whatever it costs and take orders and do whatever i'm asked. I just don't have the strength to deal with such catty-ness. And it will actually take a lot of stress off me if she wants to handle running around doing everything. More power to her!

So, just when i'm thinking the worst is over with and all I have to worry about is finding more part time work to cover expenses for this wedding & then it will soon be all over and done with......The bride calls! She's telling me how they are thinking of having a casual rehearsal dinner at their neighborhood clubhouse with bar-b-que and the sides that go along with bar-b-que. She asked me what I think and I tell her I think it's a great idea and that I think people will enjoy the casual atmosphere, being outside, etc. Well then it starts...."you can eat bar-b-que right". I nicely tell her not to worry about me that I will take care of myself and bring something to eat. She gets MAD at me. So, I remain calm and I explain that b/c of the risk of Cross Contamination, not knowing what all is in the food, etc. that I would prefer not to risk it. I kid you not she gets irritated and ticked off that I won't eat at the rehearsal dinner. And her tone of voice is like i'm making it all up just to be difficult. I was FLOORED b/c in the past she has always seem to show understanding. I want to cry!!!!

I wanted to scream at her and say HELLO, I have CELIAC DISEASE. It's not my fault that I have CELIAC DISEASE. It's not my fault that I can't eat the stupid rehearsal dinner food. I am sorry, but eating unsafe food will make me SICK! VERY SICK!! WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND???? I am at my wits end and was near tears. It was the worst feeling ever to feel like a leper. I realize that people are going to be the way they are and you can't change them. I guess i'm just hurt and disappointed. I wanted to vent here b/c I know that you guys as fellow Celiacs can relate and understand. *Sigh*

Okay, i'm done now...thanks for listening....

YES! Earthfare has some awesome foods. They have a hot buffet line as well as a salad bar that I believe is up for all three meals. Things seem to be clearly labeled as to what they contain. Again CC is an issue at any buffet line, but if you asked them a question they'd probably know what you were talking about! They also have a deli where they make stuff on the spot for you - I haven't eaten there since going gluten-free but it seems like a good place to start.

good luck

Courtney

I ditto everything she said!! Good Luck and have a great time!!

I concur with everything Courtney said. I'd be concerned about getting CC'd and then it ruin your afternoon of football!!

Sent you a PM!

Welcome!!!

I sent you a PM!!

No bubble bursting here Mamaw....the girl I work with uses it often and it just got me to thinking and wanting to get some feedback about it...

Thanks for your input....

Does anyone use splenda to bake with? If so, do you use regular splenda or the one that says splenda for baking? How does splenda work for gluten-free baking? Does it turn out just as good?

Yasmin is safe

Desogen is safe (and as far as i've found their generics are safe too)

My recommendation is talk to your doctor about possibilites then call the companies and ask them just to be sure! Good luck!

Hi All

I'm so interested that this posting came up, as I have had pains in my rectom for years and years, and yes it comes on a lot during the night. I describe it as someone trying to shove a broomstick up my rectom, the pain is something awful. And yes it can last from anywhere from 5 min - 2 hours. Motrin does help. It starts very subtly, just a bit of a twinge in the rectom, and within a few minutes it is full blown.

I also wanted to mention that when this pain is full blown I have an extreme urge to have a bowl movement, the urge to push down, like in childbirth. It's like when I push down I get temporary relief.

Does this sound familiar to anyone.

Can anybody out there who has this problem tell me more about your experience, as I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday, and would like to discuss this with her.

Thanks

Deb

YES, YES, YES!! Everything you described is EXACTLY what I have....and I too have had this going on for a few years. One doctor that I saw diagnosed it as: Proctalgia Fugax

Isn't that a pretty word? No cure, just take motrin, walk and ride out the pain. Easier said than done right?

I have not been to a doctor yet since i've moved, but I plan to bring this up when I get an appt set up. PLEASE keep in touch if you learn anything about this. I'll be happy to do the same.

Good luck!

I was wondering about him too!

Hopefully it's just something simple like their internet is down...

Patti: Did your doctor ever give you a dx??

This is so enlightening! I have something similiar, well supposedly. After reading your post i'm wondering if I have something more like what you're describing.

The dr I had at the time called it: Proctalgia Fugax

It's a horrible pain in the rectum...the pain can last from a few minutes to up to 2 hours (for me anyway). I usually wake in the night with it and it's AWFUL AWFUL pain. Dr said no cure i'd have to take some pain reliever (motrin) and he suggested walking. According to him walking off the pain is helpful. HA!

Thanks for posting this...good info to have for when I see a new dr who maybe can shed some REAL light! In the meantime, I just continue to deal with it...

I have to worry about CC issues too where i'm going for Turkey Day, so i'm just gonna cook a few things to "contribute" to the meal but just between us, the real reason is so I can assure I have something SAFE to eat without being CC'd. It'll be a bit of a pain b/c we have to travel but I think if I freeze all that can be frozen then it'll survive the trip and work out okay! In the event it's a catastrophre (sp??), I guess i'll live off of Envirokids Cereal Bars and fruit with a side of the banana bread/muffins i'll make to take with me. HAHAHAHHA!!!

Good luck to you!!

TO MAKE YOU LAUGH:

Larry the Cable guy was talking about his butt issues last night on tv and he said that he was almost certain his butt had a leak in it. I laughed so hard and thought about this post!

Then he went so far as to say that he had to use plumbers caulk to seal off his butth#@e to try to stop the leak. I hope nobody here has resorted to plumbers caulk...that would NOT be good!

Debmidge: YOU are a trip! I will make sure she doesn't catch fire or trip!!! HAHA!

Cassidy: *sigh* That's just it, I have talked to her about her "expectations" on 2 different occasions, and getting ready to go for a third. She sits there and says "I don't expect anything. All I want is for you to stand there". HOWEVER, I know her and I know that deep inside she has a "vision" of what she is expecting. When I talk to her this 3rd time I am going to be anally specific in my questions to her to see if I can a clearer idea. But the bottom line is, she is VERY high maintenance and no matter how hard you try she's the type that will find something wrong with it. I've accepted that and will simply put forth my best efforts and leave it at that.

THANKS! I'm off to indulge in my hamburger now.....with mustard and ketchup!

You go girl!!

Thanks for this update! VERY Helpful, especially since "holiday cookin" will be underway soon!

Is it safe??? I'm confused..someone told me it wasn't and I thought I saw that it was okay.

You are NOT alone!!!! I concur with everything that's been written here!

I'll leave it at that

I sent mine to evening@cbsnews.com

Hopefully this will get to the right person! I found it under the "contact us" section on their website!

I sent CBS a thank you e-mail!!

Maybe for the bachelorette party, if you have one, all the bridesmaids can split the tab ... that way everyone is paying for their own drinks and splitting the cost of the bride's drinks. We used to do this for birthdays at a place I used to work ... everyone would split the tab, except for the person whose birthday it was.

Oh, and if others come along besides the bridesmaids, then they can pay their own way ....

I like the way you think! Thanks i'll toss this out when I talk to the other MOH! Wish me luck!