New Years Resolutions

Okay, this is not just a GF thing...this is an every year thing with GF additions.  New Year's Resolutions.  Do I have them?  Yes, every year.  Do I tend to keep them?  No, every year.  LOL.  But who isn't like that.  Seriously how many new years resolutions do people actually keep.  The statistics are that 40-45% of Adult Americans make one or more resolution every year.  Here is the breakdown of how those resolutions are kept.  These are from http://www.proactivechange.com/resolutions/statistics.htm :

The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%

Now, I follow in the less than a week category 99.9% of the time. So here is my solution to this problem.  Every time I set a resolution it is for something I want to do...and it never seems to work, so this year these are my New Year's Resolutions....
1. Quit School
2. Stay unhealthy by quitting my GF Diet
3. Be the most horrible mom imaginable
4. Be a horrible person.

See a pattern here?  Reverse Psychology, my passion =)  So let's see if this works.

Okay, so back to some GF topics.On facebook I had a lady respond to a request for some food ideas for one of my design projects, to come up with a healthy eatery.  GF is my choice, even though we will have partners, my reverse psychology will come into play when that time comes.  Anyway, we got to chatting a bit and she had told me that after 7 years she has still NOT gone out to eat in fear of contamination.  Well yes contamination is a legitamit fear, it cant hold you back from being a normal person with some added Celiac.  To those of you with the same feeling I HIGHLY recommend getting an Allergy card from http://www.ceceliasmarketplace.com/ to give your servers while ordering.  Being a *retired* server it helps when placing my orders in a good way.  When requesting specifics on your orders, be respectful and be patient! 
1. Inform them of the severity of your condition and educate at the same time without preaching.
2. Be specific on your needs when it comes to preparing your food.  Let them know that the grill either needs cleaned prior to cooking your food, or request that foil be used on the grill.
3. Ask them to repeat your order so you know they have it correct when informing the chef.
4. Don't hesitate to ask for a manager to also explain your needs.
5. Inform them that you tip well for correct service and that you do inform corporate of their service as well.  I always contact the corporate office after my visits, good or bad, it lets them know how their employees are doing with minority customers as ourselves.
6. Don't be afraid to contact the restaurant prior to your arrival with any questions.
7.  Most importantly check your food before eating to ensure nothing is in there that you know you can not have.

You can not let CD define who you are, and by doing so it will not hold you back.  Yes there are obsticles you must overcome, but just think how you would be feeling if you just gave up or if it was a disease where you dont have control and have to take medication for.  The blessing of CD is that it is all about you, and embrace that it is all about you.  That is one thing that is human nature, you, and that things revolve around you.  Enjoy that.

Another note, the new GF Shopping guide is also available at Cecelias Marketplace, mine is on its way to my house as we speak =)  So is Enjoying eating out going to be one of your New Year's Resolutions?  I hope so.