ButYouDontLookSick.com

Sick Humor: 7 Things NOT to Do When You are Depressed

2009-12-22T04:58:34Z

We all have been there. It is 2am, you can't sleep, you have a lot on your mind... and let's face facts- you are depressed. After doing all of the wrong things to combat depression, I thought I would pass on some of my knowledge to you. Hopefully you can find better things to do with your time at 2am then I did. Why only 7 things? I fell asleep, and I was too depressed to think of 10.

]]> 1. Whatever you do, stay away from Google.

Normally I am a HUGE Google lover, but at 2am when things are looking bleak, Google has a funny way of turning on you. I call this "Depression Googling". It seems like a smart idea in the moment to start searching for all the
wacky symptoms of your illness, or the side effects of your medications, but to read all this technical data when you are on little sleep, just leads to trouble. It is overwhelming and depressing and no matter how much medical
information and experience you have, you are not a doctor.

Google also tends to get addicting. One search leads to another and 3 hours later you still don't have answers, just a load of websites that tend to confuse and depress you even more.

2. Now is NOT the time to Stroll Down Memory Lane.

It is fun to look at pictures or talk to old friends etc, but not when you are down in the dumps. When you are sad, comparing yourself to your fat/ skinny/ pretty/ prom/ sick/ healthy pictures is not productive. You are not that person and you will never be that person again, You can't, it is in the past. We have a funny way of picking ourselves apart when we want to. We can be our own worst enemies. We notice every flaw, every unfulfilled desire and we focus on it. When looking at old pictures or talking to old friends, we reminisce about the way things were, or how things could have been and rarely do we focus on the now and how great some things currently are.

3. Do not watch Lifetime Movies.

It might seem like a good idea to watch movies to distract yourself when you are sad or can't sleep, but there are some movies that should come with warning labels. If you think the movie might be a tear jerker, don't watch
it. Have self control. The news isn't even safe anymore. Turn your TV channel to a comedy station or the Disney cartoon network- anything that will make you laugh, but not make you think.

4. Now is NOT the time for Major House Re-Organization

I know you are awake, and you think that you might as well make good productive use of your time, but you will just end up tired, achy and with a 1/2 accomplished project. You do not need more reasons to be depressed. Looking at the cabinets in your kitchen and deciding to re-organize your Tupperware is not the way to cheer up. You will only be mad at how the cabinets got so messy in the first place, or you will start the project and be too tired to finish. Waking up to a messy kitchen, with random lids of Tupperware all over the place, will only make you feel worse. Trust me, I am writing this article with a 1/2 erected Christmas Tree in front of me and it is sad.

5. Eating the whole bowl of Fudge Brownie Mix, although yummy will just give you a tummy ache.

Eating a whole bowl of anything is probably not a good idea. You will either get an upset stomach, or get a sugar rush that will just keep you awake even longer. An easy rule of thumb is do not bake, cook, or binge. You do not
want to wake up in the morning and feel more upset about what you ate, than about whatever it was that was upsetting you. If you want to bake, eat one piece of whatever it is and put the rest away.

6. Do not Drink away your troubles

You had problems before 1 glass of wine or a beer and you will have problems after them. Drinking will just make your issues seem bigger, fuzzier and just plain messy. Drinking makes everything seem sad. Drinking by yourself
at 2am is just pathetic. Have a drink to toast and celebrate good occasions, not to drown your sorrows.

7. Do not change your blog, facebook, or myspace page to reflect your mood.

Do not take the time to change your background to black or your song list to Alanis Morissette just yet. Wait a few days and make sure that dark mood is really what you want to express. Probably after a few days and a good
night's sleep you will not be feeling so Goth. Before you spread your dark mood to the world, wait a few days. You will be happy you don't have to just figure out how to undo everything you did, and your friends will be happy to
not have to find an appropriate "comment" on the new depressing theme of your blog.

"Chronic" Tips: How to Wrap Christmas Gifts Easily

2009-12-21T03:05:31Z

It's fun to get gifts, but wrapping them especially if you have sore or weak hands can be hard. Here are a few tips to help you wrap Christmas gifts easily.

]]> Tip #1
Try to spread your gift wrapping over a period of time, instead of trying to get it all done in one night. This way you can wrap one or two gifts at a time and that will help greatly if you get sore hands from arthritis.

Tip #2
Consider investing in 3M scotch tape dispensers. You can pick one up at any office supply store. These are weighted and sit on the desk to keep you from having to fumble with tape. You can get a piece of tape with one hand quickly and easily. They are also not expensive - anywhere between five and ten dollars.

Tip #3
Use gift bags whenever possible. Gift bags are great, and you can find a large assortment at any discount or dollar store. They are inexpensive and easy to use. I usually wrap the gift in a sheet of tissue paper, but you don't have to, just put the item at the bottom, then top with a few sheets of tissue paper and you're done! No tape, no wrapping paper, it's easy and quick.

Tip #4
Instead of topping off your gift with ribbon, which can be a hassle to tie and such, use those great sticky star bows you can get in a large package. They peel and stick and look so pretty.

Don't be afraid to ask for some help, my mom used to let us help her with Christmas gifts- she would wrap and we would stick the little star on, and hand her the tape. It will help you and create some memories for you and
the kids or hubby.

Have fun gift wrapping and remember it's not the wrapping, but the gift and thought that counts!

By : Stefanie Leale © Butyoudontlooksick.com

The After Holiday Crash

2009-12-21T02:12:40Z

My daughter Christine has Lupus and she thinks she is invincible. She tries to overcompensate for the times she feels like hell, by being Superwoman, Supermom and Martha Stewart, all rolled into one.

In the weeks preceeding Christmas her home looked like a Winter Wonderland, tastefully decorated with snowmen and snowflakes. She had her precious daughter Olivia's picture taken with Santa and her photo cards were out on time- way before mine. Chris even managed to buy and wrap over 40 gifts and bake about 10 dozen batches of cookies. She definitely had the Spirit of Christmas and her energy level seemed nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

]]> Fast forward two days after Christmas; the presents were all unwrapped, the cookies were now crumbs, the parties and family get togethers were all over and my daughter's house looked like Babies R Us had relocated to her living room. Unfortunately, Christine had hit the wall. Lying among the torn wrapping paper and pile of toy doubles that needed to be returned, I found my daughter crashed on the couch. She was totally depleted- she had spent all her "spoons" on the holiday and now she was left with none. Chris was upset that she was again sick- that Lupus had flared its ugly head once more.

But I am sure Chris is far from alone. Since Christmas, so many of my friends, the healthy ones, have all been bitten by a strange "bug." They think it's a virus, but I think it's "Holidaydepletion." Everyone, especially women, wear themselves out during the month of December in hopes of creating the perfect holiday of their dreams. And on top of that, I find that many people with a chronic illness turn down one of two paths. They either become depressed and give up, saying that the holidays are overwhelming or they do what my daughter does and over-achieves, trying to make everything perfect, even though her body is not. I once told Chris she had an over-achiever's mind in an under-achiever's body.

So back to the proverbial Wall that so many hit after the holiday. Be kind to yourself- allow yourself the luxury of sleep, without guilt or fretting. Do all the things your mother used to remind you to do- drink lots of water, eat healthy food, take your vitamins, soak in a warm bath, put your feet up and most of all rest. For those with an illness, don't always think your cold or run down condition is from your illness, the healthy among you are dragging themselves around too.

If you liked this article, you may also like the following articles written by the same author:

10 Lessons My Daughter Has Taught Me

Lupus Sucks!

Now Available: The Spoon Theory - Poster Prints

2009-12-18T05:27:20Z

You've asked how you can get an official printed copy of The Spoon Theory - we heard you load and clear! Now you can purchase small and large poster prints of "The Spoon Theory" from our Online Store! These posters will make a perfect "get well gift, or friendship/ I understand gift." We also think it would make a perfect addition to any doctor's office, or support group meeting room. Most importantly, get one for yourself!

The Spoon Theory Large Poster
$22.99

The Spoon Theory Small Poster
$18.99

]]> The Spoon Theory, written by Christine Miserandino of ButYouDontLookSick.com has been published in several local, national, and international publications. Other "The Spoon Theory" merchandise will be available soon!

Shopping through Amazon.com helps support this site!

2009-12-16T21:55:26Z

Shop and help support this site at the same time!!

With the holidays and christmas shopping.....Just a reminder that if you shop through amazon.com please shop/click using this link:

It has a code in it that tracks the purchases and makes butyoudontlooksick.com 5% of the total sale. This helps us run this website and keep the message boards etc. running! Every little bit helps!!!

Please save this post to come back and click through..... :)

Thanks! :)

ButYouDontLookSick.com Top Ten Most Popular Articles

2009-12-16T20:37:20Z

I know it is easy to only read and focus on the stories and articles that are featured on the front page of our site, but sometimes it is good to take a look back. I would like to take this opportunity to re- introduce you to some of our most popular articles on butyoudontlooksick.com. I decided what was most popular by click count and my reader feedback. (Please note that I focused on articles and essays this time around, and did not include reviews from our directory of product, service, book, movie, and website reviews.)

If the following articles are new to you, I hope you enjoy them! If you read them when they were originally posted, I encourage you to take this opportunity to revisit the articles. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new.

]]> So, without further adieu, (drum roll please) the ButYouDontLookSick.com Top Ten most Popular Articles:

1. The Spoon Theory

This essay is where it all started. The Spoon Theory is very close to my heart. I just wanted people to understand what it felt like to make choices every day based on your health. It was a hard feeling to convey and using spoons helped me. This essay is where my love of writing started, where this website started and why everyone you know is "counting spoons"!
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory/

2. Preparing for a Doctors Visit

Going to a doctor's visit can be overwhelming for anyone, but when you are sick you may be dealing with many conflicting symptoms, or lists of medications and most important tons of questions! This article is meant to help you get organized and make the most of your time and your doctor's.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2007/08/preparing_for_a_doctors_visit_1.php#more

3. Tips for Traveling with a Chronic Illness

What is one of the most stressful things to do during the summer or holidays? Travel!!! Most of us have more than one place to be this season, whether it's traveling between in-laws or traveling between family members, it's still the
stress of having to pack up the car and the kids and traveling as long as hours on end. Here are a few tips for traveling with a chronic illness and then traveling with kids! Both are hard and then combine the two and it can even seem impossible.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/12/tips_for_traveling_with_a_chro.php#more
4. 10 Tips for Visiting Someone Who is Sick (*parts of this article was featured on the cnn.com blog)

I have unfortunately been on both sides of this article. I have spent time visiting friends and family when they have been sick, but I have more often been the patient everyone is visiting. Many of the visits went very well, but unfortunately others didn’t go so well for them or me. Hopefully my mistakes or my tips from experience will help you.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2007/03/10_tips_for_visiting_someone_w.php#more
5. What to Do When You Are Waiting to See The Doctor

My infamous "Waiting Bag" article- Since I unfortunately spend allot of time in doctors' waiting rooms, I quickly learned to make the most of this seemingly wasted time. Learn what to pack in your bag to bring with you to make these visits more comfortable and productive!
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/11/my_waiting_bag.php#more
6. How to Make a Wheat Heating Pad

We have all seen those microwave heating pads selling in the stores for big bucks, and I always thought "Boy I wish I knew how to make one" They look so easy to make. So my new friend Wendy gave me the "directions" and it is easy enough to do and so helpful to those of us who get cold easily or have sore muscles.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2007/07/how_to_make_a_wheat_heating_pa.php#more
7. Happy New Year - The 1 Word Essay

I feel that it is easier to focus on one word, one goal or one "theme", rather than a list of different tasks. I found
it overwhelming to make a list, but one word was attainable. I have tried to pick a word that covers a variety of areas in my life that could be better. One word was also easier to remember, whether it was with post it notes, or a screensaver on my computer, or even as a daily easy mantra.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/01/happy_new_year_1_word.php#more
8. A Mother's View (Essay written by my mother Janet)

This is a view from the other side of the "spoon", so to speak. Having a child means worrying your whole life about their happiness. Having a child with a chronic illness means worrying about grades, dating and makeup; but also about pain, medical tests and future prognosis...
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2005/01/a_mothers_view.php#more
9. A Lesson in Adapting from my Dog

I learned a few lessons in the past few years about "adapting" and believe it or not I learned some of it from walking my dog. A very long story short-- my puppy broke his little leg when I first got him. Now you would look at him and never know the difference. He jumps, walks, licks and runs. He likes to be cuddled, and he loves beyond measure.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/11/a_lesson_in_adapting_from_my_p.php#more
10. The Birthday Blues

I know that turning 29 is not a tragedy, but there was something about turning this very specific number that no one else seemed to understand. I tried to vocalize it, but I got the typical responses of "well at least you're not thirty", or "You're so young, what's the fuss!?" I just smiled, said nothing, and knew that they didn't understand.
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/2006/07/the_birthday_blues.php#more

© 2008, butyoudontlooksick.com
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Do you have some favorite butyoudontlooksick.com articles that are not listed here. Post them in the comments below. Do you have a favorite staff writer? -- Let us know!

Making The Best Of Hard Situations During The Holidays

2009-12-11T23:49:47Z

I always tend to write about what's going on in my life, often as a way of working through situations for myself. When I sat down to write this article, thinking in terms of the holidays, the only thing I could think of was what I am having to do - make the best of a very difficult situation that just happened to occur during the holidays! Perhaps some of you are going through similar challenges - whether created by illness or life situations so in the spirit of helping one another, I'll share what's going on with me.

]]> We have lived in our home for 11 years now. It is full of "my stuff." I have put in about 1,000 perennial plants in my gardens over the years. We had just decided my husband was not going to apply for any positions elsewhere and we were going to stay here for another 8 years until he can retire. Well, his company had different plans - they offered him a promotion to a job he did not even apply for, which is fabulous... except it's 500 miles away!

Just when we had done a complete bath renovation and a lot of other improvements to the house, we have to move -and fast. They gave him a week's notice and he had to go. He will not be able to return home until the actual move, so all of the duties connected with selling the house and preparing for the move are on ME. And I'm not in the best of health - I have several physical things going on that make it difficult for me to be on my feet. As my daughter would say, time to "man up." (I always tell her that should be "WOman up!")

Looking for a new home and preparing to sell the old one is not the happiest way to spend the weeks before Christmas! Thinking about leaving my 20 and 21 year old kids here (their lives are pretty established and they don't want to go) is killing me. The idea of moving five dogs and three cats, a cockatiel and goldfish is overwhelming. But the schnauzer rescue work can't stop just because I'm in a weird situation. I had a new rescue pup come in just last week.

I always believe everything happens for a reason and if you recall the "Zen Redecorating" and other articles about the dejunking project I did over the past year - now I am so grateful I did that. It makes things so much easier now.

I have had to sit down and think about what is REALLY crucial for me to enjoy the holidays, with virtually no spare time and the need to pack things UP, not get more things OUT. So I have put up a tiny two foot tall tree which is sitting on my kitchen table, decorated with my glass hanging objects taken down from the windows. There's a pretty candle centerpiece my daughter helped me pick out along with the lights she came over and surprised me with by hanging. I'm giving family and friends homemade peanut brittle and my handmade jewelry, rather than going out shopping. I bought my kids' presents on eBay and elsewhere online.

I plan to cook a special meal with our favorite treats on Christmas Day for just me and the kids and we will phone Dad so he can enjoy it with us, if only virtually. Christmas cards? They will be electronic ones rather than the mailed kind this year and I hope my friends understand. The sentiments are the same by whatever method. My treat to ME (for surviving the month!) will be a Clair Burke Christmas Memories candle, my favorite scent, and a little bouquet of red and white carnations which I will turn into an arrangement with some pine and cedar gathered from my trees. I plan to take my daughter on ONE shopping trip to the mall, since we always enjoy that time together.

My doggies will be wearing handmade scarves and I'll take a cool holiday picture of them to treasure.

When I think about what I always do to make Christmas special to me, it's "decorating the dogs," having the Christmas scents in the air, Christmas music which I have in abundance, special food, and most of all being surrounded by friends and family - now even more precious since I will soon be so far away from them all. The boxes of ornaments, tinsel, wreaths, and countless ho-ho knick-knacks can stay in storage for this holiday. So I think the moral of this story is "Focus and Simplify."

Wishing all of you readers your most joyous holiday season ever!

4 Reasons Why I Love to Shop Online During Christmas, and Why You Should Too!

2009-12-07T21:12:28Z

1. Free shipping!

I think my UPS man assumes I have a crush on him. I don't want to date him, but I do love that he delivers heavy packages right to my door. It is cold, shopping bags are heavy and I hate parking in crowded lots. It is really that simple. Most stores are now online and most offer free shipping. Why drag myself out in the cold, walk with pain, deal with crowds and lines, when I can get the same item delivered to my door within days. I used to have to beg friends to hold my shopping bags when my arms got too tired. I used to have to plan rest breaks from walking and shopping. Now I sit at home and wait for the packages to come to me. Ah, I love the internet! (If you are a store owner please note that I am swayed to shop at online stores that do offer free shipping over those who don't)

]]> 2. I can shop on MY schedule.

If can't sleep, I can still get things done...I can shop. It may be 4am and I might be in pajamas. Heck, I may even be feeding a crying baby a bottle with one hand, as I type with the other. But I do love that I can shop on my time, which is anytime that works.

3. Promotional coupon codes.

Before I buy anything on the internet I do a search for the title of the store and the words "promo code" or "promotional coupon code" etc. Then I find the right word and plug it in as I shop and get a discount. It is one more step to my shopping process but so worth it. I do not shop without doing this little, quick search before I purchase. No cutting coupons and I still save money. I have found that almost every store has a coupon code or promotional going on at any given time.

4. The search feature.

Did you ever have an idea of what to buy someone as a gift, but then not really know exactly where to find it, or what it even is exactly? So then you aimlessly roam around the mall, to not find what you are looking for but leave with aching legs and frustration. Well, this is why I love the search feature. I can search for a favorite sport team, a scent, even just a color... and bam! Hundreds of "custom" gift ideas pop onto my screen that are perfect for any person on my gift list.

So instead of fighting crowds in stores, or looking for a parking space... try shopping online! Happy Shopping!

Please note that when you buy from Amazon.com through this site, a small portion of the sale (not affecting your order) will help this site grow. Thank you.
Article written by Christine Miserandino, © butyoudontlooksick.com

Oh What Fun to Purchase Holiday Gifts From the ButYouDontLookSick.com On-Line Store

2009-12-07T05:44:16Z

Contemplating what you should give a loved-one or close friend, suffering from a chronic illness this holiday season? How about a Tee-shirt that reads ‘Lupus Sucks’ or ‘Fibromyalgia Sucks' ? Look no further than the Butyoudontlooksick.com online store. Offering apparel and merchandise with a twist, the ButYouDontLookSick.com online store will bring a smile to any patient suffering from Lupus, Cystic Fibrosis, or Arthritis, just to name a few.

]]> The ButYouDontLookSick.com online store is yet another creation from Lupus patient, Christine Miserandino of ‘The Spoon Theory’ fame, who first created the Tee's for herself and friends. “I started receiving requests for many illnesses on the shirts... and even other quotes like "sick and tired of being sick and tired" etc. I began adding new designs and quotes every week.” The shirts come in an array of styles from tank tops to baby-doll tees, so you’ll find a tee-shirt, fit for every age range. Despite the fact that Miserandino suffers from Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, which causes inflammation of the joints and
organ damage, she would always get stares when she used her handicapped parking pass. “I don't fit the mold that people expect when they see someone with a disability,” stated Miserandino.

The slogans were created to make patients, as well as onlookers, laugh, think or even ask questions. “Lets face it---there’s no better way to sayit…sometimes things just suck,” says Miserandino. With prices starting at $2.50, you’ll find a quality gift with just the right expression.

Now our hottest selling item is "The Spoon Theory" poster print.

If you’re looking to give someone suffering from a chronic illness a chuckle or just looking to add a smile to their face----then check out the ButYouDontLookSick.com online store at http://www.cafepress.com/bydls .

ButYouDontLookSick.com online store offers not only chronic illness slogan tees but also tote-bags, mouse pads, mugs and other merchandise.

ButYouDontLookSick.com E- Magazine has been online since July 2003. ButYouDontLookSick.com is about living life to the fullest with anyinvisible disease and hopes to provide answers to the endless querie- "But you don't look sick?" The website features a collection of articles,essays, book and product reviews, with health resources and an activemessage board.

Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, and patient advocate from NY. She also happens to be someone living with Lupus. Her writing hasbeen featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and
television media. Check out http://www.ButYouDontLookSick.com to read more of her articles, and to receive her monthly newsletter.

For information: http://www.cafepress.com/bydls or
http://www.ButYouDontLookSick.com

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Top Ten Holiday Gift Ideas For People With Arthritis

2009-12-01T20:32:03Z

These are my top ten gift ideas for people with arthritis, but let us remember the best gift anyone who is ill can hope to receive is a little comfort and a lot of understanding. Hope these ideas help when looking for that perfect gift!

]]> 10- Blanket! This is a great gift whether it's electric or just a nice cozy warm fleece one, blankets make great gifts and can be fairly inexpensive to buy. Blankets are always appreciated, as those with arthritis would love anything warming.

9 - Heating pad: This is my favorite thing! On those chilly days you can cuddle up on your favorite chair with a blanket and your heating pad turned up! Nothing works better for those arthritic joints then a heating pad. This is always an appreciated gift.

8 - Comfort Massage Supreme - 5 motor Everyone can use one of these, as I haven't met one person who would turn down a nice massage. However, for someone with arthritis it can make an exceptional gift, as we can all relate to stiff achy joints and kinks that need to be ironed out. So if you were looking for a great gift this Christmas a massager would be a great one to give or receive.

7 - Gift Card For Foot Care: As those with arthritis find themselves unable to care for themselves, as well as they once could, foot care is very important. Improper foot care can result in athlete's foot, and other foot problems. A gift card for a pedicure can help keep the tootsies clean and healthy and is a wonderfully relaxing thing to have done. I mean who wouldn't love being pampered for an hour? This is another gift that is always appreciated.

6 - Cleaning Service: Whether you looking into a cleaning company like Molly Maids or you just rally up a bunch of ladies to come up with a cleaning schedule, this makes a very good gift. One of the most daunting things to have to do, when you are ill and in pain, is to clean the house, so having someone come and do it for you even just once a week is a much appreciated gift. Another idea is to hire the cleaner instead of once a week, which could get expensive, have them come for a spring cleaning and then another time throughout the year before winter. I know for me cleaning is a big hassle and this would be a gift that would put a big smile on my face.

5 - Frozen Food Or Grocery Box: This isn't a gift that you can just go out and buy, as it does require a little more work, but in the end it's so worth it for the person receiving it. Someone with arthritis would tell you in a heartbeat that the worst chore on the list is cooking, especially dinner because by suppertime we are tired and achy from the day. So putting together a box of frozen foods that are easily thawed and warmed up is a great idea. Foods that freeze well and are quick include: casseroles, spaghetti sauce (then all they have to do is boil pasta), soups, and cakes or pies. Also another thing that is hard to get done, and right up there with cooking as a hassle, is shopping! Grocery shopping can be hard, painful and tiring, so next time you are at the grocery store consider putting together a box or plastic bin of groceries. Just buy non-perishables, as this can be a big help and then all they would have to purchase say for the week is the perishables like butter, eggs, and milk. You could include, canned goods, cookies, crackers, jams, bread, canned veggies and fruit etc… This is a unique and thoughtful, not to mention, practical Christmas gift and very appreciated.

4 - Cooking Utensils with Rubber comfort Grips: This is a great idea, as we mentioned cooking is a daunting task and if you have utensils that are easier to grip it helps with the pain in the end. Some hard metal spoons and tongs are difficult to hold and cause spasm pains throughout the hands for someone with arthritis, so these comfort grip utensils can really save a lot of wear and tear on the joints. It's simple but a great idea for a gift!

3 - Slippers- This sounds simple and easy, but often those of us with arthritis need to keep our feet warm to prevent pain in the foot joints. A nice soft warm pair of slippers is always appreciated and at a reasonable cost. Also make sure there are good rubber grips on the bottom to keep the person from slipping.

2 - Book On CD: Often with arthritis it's hard to read in bed or anywhere for that matter, as holding up heavy, or really any books, can be a struggle especially on those hard painful days. However, for someone who loves to read this can be very saddening. A great gift idea is a book on CD. These are wonderful because all they have to do is pop them in the CD player and sit back or even lie down and listen. Not having to hold up the books and not getting dizzy from reading is just a relaxing way to enjoy a good book.

1 - Black & Decker Lids Off Jar Opener

This is the number one gift idea for someone with arthritis! This is a revolutionary gadget that is wonderful! All you do is place the jar under the opener and POP it opens it, with no struggling and no aching muscles. Also another idea is an electric can opener, under the same idea this also prevents the struggle with the can openers. Anyone with aching joints would thank you for it!

By Stefanie Leale © butyoudontlooksick.com

Top Ten Gift Ideas for a Crazy, Insane, Intense Running Friend

2009-12-01T18:29:12Z

Running has been in my life for seven years now, and it has always been a release for me. When I was in full remission, I would always try go running again. When insurance companies tried to get the best of me, I would run it off for half an hour or if I was nervous about a future procedure, running a steep hill relaxed my nerves and calmed me down. I take running seriously, and it is much more than a simple recreational sport. That is why, this Christmas, I am offering you a list of the top ten things any crazy runner, such as myself, would hope to see under a Christmas tree. Happy Holidays!

]]> 1. A new pair of running shoes—take your friend to buy a new pair of overly priced running shoes. A decent pair does not come from Payless; go to a Foot Locker, or a store specifically for runners.

2. A digital watch—no one wears a nice Rolex while they run. Digital watches from a Sports Authority are made for athletics, and a digital watch is much easier to read at quick glance than an analog.

3. Bright colored sports bras—attention females! Neon green and bright orange are the new gray! Nothing says “Look at me, I’m a crazy runner!” than bright colored sports bras to wear on those hot summer runs.

4. Running shorts—if you are one of those people who loves tempo runs on the beach, then running shorts are your best bet. Many people find the idea of built in underwear odd, but there is a reason for them! The shorts are lightweight (to not add that extra pound to your run), and they fly up when you are panting towards the finish line. Built in underwear covers up what you don’t want seen.

5. “Sock Guy” socks—that’s right! There is actually a brand of sock called “Sock Guy”. They are the most comfortable athletic socks you will ever wear. Before big races in High School, my coach surprised us all with brand new, brightly colored, and painfully obvious “Sock Guy” socks. They are thin, let your feet breathe, and they save you from a world of blisters!

6. An arm band for your iPod—most of the world has an iPod by now, but not everyone has somewhere to put it. Running alone can be terribly lonely, especially with no music to keep you motivated. I feel naked if I run without my iPod attached to my arm, don’t you?

7. Long-sleeved shirts—I’m not talking Abercrombie or Hollister; I’m talking loose, breathable shirts from your local sports store. Everyone has those days where it’s too hot for a sweatshirt, but too cold for a short-sleeved shirt. It is on that day that you wear this shirt.

8. A really dorky runner movie—if you are anything like my teammates or myself, nothing gets your adrenaline going than watching a race between Prefontaine and Viren. Sure, I’ve seen the segment a million times over, but it still does a number on me every time.

9. A set of weights—runners do not strive to build huge muscles in their legs or their arms. However, what most amateur runners do not know is that arm muscles are just as important as leg muscles. A set of light weights can help your runner friend build muscle in their upper body, allowing more power when you pump your arms up that hill.

10. A sports bag—nothing has more compartments than a sports bag. You have a section for smelly old clothes, shoes, and water bottles. There are also smaller compartments for your iPod, power bars, and your “feminine products”. I never go anywhere without my Adidas bag. It has seen me through rain, shine, victory, and loss. And it smells AWFUL!

Well, there you have it. I am sure I am not the only avid athlete to read this, so feel free to laugh at my suggestions if they do not suit you. Everyone has that crazy friend who “runs for fun”, so hopefully now, you know how to satisfy their insanity. Happy Shopping!

Article written by: Caitlyn Pilkington ©butyoudontlooksick.com

Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Layered Casserole

2009-11-27T21:10:42Z

This may sound disgusting (as it did to me,) but we heard about it last year, tried it, loved it, and I made it again last night! Hey, it's a great way to get rid of the clutter in your post-Thanksgiving fridge and look at it this way - if you hate it, the stuff is still gone!

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

]]> In a casserole sprayed with non-stick spray, make layers in any order, but here's my preference:

- Mashed Potatoes
- Turkey
- Gravy
- Green Bean Casserole
- Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
- Leftover Hot Rolls
- Cranberry Sauce

Bake at 225º for one hour covered with foil. Then remove foil and bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.

I am Thankful, But I Hate Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T19:19:17Z

I hate Thanksgiving.

I know – I’m not supposed to. Family gathering, lots of good food, people you haven’t seen in ages. But, I hate Thanksgiving.

]]> In my house we always shared it with another family. Mom cooked Thanksgiving, the other family cooked Christmas dinner – it worked out well. Each of us only had to cook one big meal per year.
But in my house – ugh – what a hassle. We had to set the table 2 days ahead. We had to get the leaves that took our 70:” round dining table to a point where it stretched clear into the living room. We had to have the right tablecloth that dad washed and put away somewhere that he couldn’t remember last year. We had to find every piece of good silver and silver plate that was hidden all over the house.

The food – we always had the same food – sweet corn, peas and onions, mashed potatoes, yams, relish tray – why a relish tray? It’s not like everything was fresh – it was all frozen. Yep open the bag and cook. The mashed potatoes and yams too, they were frozen or canned. The pies were from a bakery – usually the grocery store bakery – now they’re from Costco. So the food wasn’t that special.

My brother and I usually escaped by doing the dishes. But to this day – I have problems understanding which of the flat ware is silver and which is silver plate and why you can’t wash them all together in the dishwasher.

Then the inappropriate people drink. Somewhere along the line – someone started the tradition of drinking butterscotch schnapps. Ick! Why would they do that! Why don’t we have better reception on the TV – we had a couple leave because of that one year!

I just don’t enjoy all of this.

The best Thanksgiving I ever had was the year that my mother in law died. Not for that reason though. She was going to be staying near my family for Thanksgiving and she was going to come over! Way cool! I was so looking forward to showing her how well I took care of my hubby and how yummy dinner was going to be. Then, she passed away suddenly. Hubby and I just couldn’t bear to be around for Thanksgiving. So we headed to the beach (off season), took the dogs and we had a ball. The dogs on the beach, having drinks and dinner in a bar with 4 other people, going to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner and not having turkey, outlet shopping for Christmas on the way home. It was bliss.

I love to entertain – really I do. I don’t get to do it very often either. My husband and I share a home with my parents and as much as I live here – it’s their house. So, for the longest time – we had Thanksgiving “mom’s way”. Even when she insisted she could still cook a big dinner for everyone – when she couldn’t. She’s got COPD. One year, I came to the house, and was thrust into and apron and my brother and I had to finish dinner because she couldn’t. But even after that – she insisted she could. So it became a hassle because my mother would not let go.

The year that my mother spent 3 months in the hospital due to a massive heart attack, I cooked Thanksgiving at my brother’s house. We didn’t use fancy china, we used the regular flatware, I got to cook some different dishes – and everyone liked them too! Potatoes from scratch! Dad took a plate to mom at the hospital and she thought it was great. But we were back to ‘mom’s way’ the next year.

A few years ago, my brother put his foot down and announced he was having Thanksgiving at his house. Such drama! He cooked the turkey, I cooked the rest – and we had a ball – we even had time to watch the parades and marathon movies and TV shows. Why did this never happen when it was at mom’s? I didn’t get the idea she was having any fun when she was cooking – just fussing at my dad…

I do have good memories of thanks giving – waking up early in the morning smelling the celery, onion and sage of the stuffing that mom was prepping to put in the bird. If I got downstairs quick enough – I got to taste it for seasoning. Why cook it – it was good that way! The days of turkey leftovers afterwards – stuffing sandwiches. Turkey sandwiches mostly. Dad now makes a giant pot of turkey soup afterwards – he throws everything but the kitchen sink in it – and it’s usually pretty good.

But now, it’s arguing with mom that my brother can do Thanksgiving well. That having to take the extra china from here to his house (no – we can’t store it there) is ok. Explaining to her that it’s ok to rent table and chairs, even when we have a table that can extend like Stretch from the Fantastic Four. That he can handle cooking for 12 or 15. Really – she doesn’t need to buy a turkey from elsewhere and have it delivered – he can do that.
He does a nice job at Thanksgiving, really.

But Mom just won’t let go.

So, my hubby and I - we ditch Thanksgiving. The last year or two – we went away – just anywhere. This year I haven’t made plans to go anywhere yet – we may just sit in the movies all day and eat McDonald’s after.

Now you’re going to say that your mom is not long for this world and we should respect her wishes – even if it exhausts me and makes me cranky. Nope. I spend every day with my parents – I love them – really I do. Living with 2 80 year old parents is not always easy – really! So, I take my hassles daily. We live in their house, with the heat too high, not my kitchen even though I’m the one that cooks most of the time, dad doing what he wants with the dog even though we tell him not to feed him extra food, or leave him off the leash, and fixing the TV constantly because they don’t under stand how the satellite dish works, cooking food that is blander than we like, dad constantly second guessing my husband when he’s doing needed work on the house.

I’m thankful every day that I have a roof over my head, insurance, good doctors, a husband that hasn’t left me in spite of my illness and our living situation.

I’ll lead the troops in decorating the house outside for Christmas, I’ll decorate the inside of the house for Christmas, I’ll do the shopping for 12 people, wrap the gifts and stuff the stockings.

I am thankful, but I am letting go of the hassle that is Thanksgiving.

Essay by Linda Kasserman, butyoudontlooksick.com 2008

Essay: Being Thankful

2009-11-25T01:54:06Z

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the good things in your life. You can give thanks for friends, family, a good job, good health…wait! Good health? Raise your hands if you go through an entire week without complications from your respective conditions. No hands? I thought so. Although living with a chronic illness seems like the worst thing, there is a hidden agenda about having a chronic condition. In honor of Thanksgiving, it is my job to give everyone ten good reasons to be thankful for a chronic condition. Even if you can’t eat your aunt’s cranberries (we all LOVE cranberries, right?), there is still much to smile about when your uncle asks, “so, how is your health these days?”

]]> It makes you stronger—Physically, having a chronic illness allow your body to learn its limit more accurately than other people. Emotionally, no battle is quite like the battle for good health. You are stronger emotionally than the one that stays home with a sore throat.

It creates an opportunity to raise awareness—Let’s try again: raise your hand if every person you know is familiar with your condition. Nope, didn’t think so.

It is a good conversation piece—If nothing else, having a condition gives the family something to talk about. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m tired of seeing concerned faces. Make it fun!

It gets you special privileges—I would be lying if I said I never used my condition to get out of getting into trouble. Late to work? “I was feeling sick this morning.” Speeding? “I really had to go, Officer.” (I would like to add that you should not take advantage of your condition, but we do deserve some breaks. :)

It is an opportunity to meet empathetic people—I get so excited when I meet someone else with Ulcerative Colitis! Talk it up with fellow condition-holders!

It creates opportunities for fundraising—I don’t know how many read my piece on my half marathon, but that was the best weekend of my life. Own your condition, like our very own Christine has done, and walk the walk!

It makes you thankful (how ironic)—A friend of mine recently finished chemo at the age of 24. After seeing him in the hospital, I realized that much of my struggle is nothing compared to what others go through. My heart goes out to everyone on this website!

It makes you appreciate the little things in life—It sounds corny, but it is true. Never have I appreciated eating, sleeping, and walking as much as I do since I have been in remission.

It allows you to be your own motivator—Everyone has friends and family to support them in their darkest hour. However, it is YOU who has the power to get up and take a stand against your condition.

It forces you to love your body—the hardest thing to do is love your body when it seems to hate you. However, the sooner you are able to love your body, the sooner the condition stops running your life. You own it; it does not own you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Article written by Caitlyn Pilkington, © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com
_______________________
*If you liked this essay, you might also like another thanksgiving essay called: "The Blessings of Chronic Illness".

-Or-
"A Time to Give Thanks"

A Time To Give Thanks

2009-11-19T23:48:11Z

This is the time of year that inspires us to examine our lives with a closer look and make a checklist of what we are truly thankful for. No matter what your religion or your background, Thanksgiving has become a national holiday where we are reminded to take an inventory of the many blessings we often take for granted.

]]> We are taught from a young school age about the difficult ocean journey of the pilgrims clamoring for a better life- a life of freedom. We all can also recall the story of the pilgrims and the Indians joining together and bowing their heads in prayer before sharing a meal. These are the pictures embedded in our heads, along with the Norman Rockwell images of an apron clad mother serving a bronzed turkey on a platter to a room full of happy smiling relatives. Unfortunately, we are too far removed from the Pilgrims to have them truly hold significance for us and the latter snapshot of a jubilant family may not be our reality.

So what has Thanksgiving become? Somehow it has become squeezed between Halloween and Christmas and has lost much of its importance. With families scattered across the country, often they are unable to be together on this day. I think family is who you make to be your family. We have some very close friends that I would be happy to share any holiday with and who truly are family in every sense of the word.

For the last few years my husband and I have found ourselves without our children on Thanksgiving, as they spent time with the families of their significant others. At first it was difficult being a mother on a holiday without my children, no matter who else I was with. But life is full of changes and if we don't move along with them, they will come despite us. I have also learned that when a holiday comes it is easy to get focused on all I don't have or all the ideal situations I wish were mine. I realize that I need to consciously spend some time and actually count my blessings, so I can look at my cup as half filled. For those of you with a chronic illness, I understand how difficult this may be- all the more reason to actually make yourself a list. Below I will share mine with you, they range form the obvious to the mundane. Perhaps my list will spur you on to make your own.

I am thankful for the health of my family. Despite my daughter's Lupus, I am grateful that she has been doing so well this year.
I am thankful for being married for 34 years- It has not been an easy journey.
I am thankful for my teaching career- also 34 years. (It has been easier than being married.)
I am thankful for my family and for all of the moments we have shared together. There is nothing in this world that I cherish more.
I am thankful for my mother, who at the age of 80, is still around to always make me feel special, beautiful and young.
I am thankful for my home this year more than ever. As I watched hurricanes ravaged parts of our country, the value of my home has never been made more significant.
I am thankful for my friends, a group of fabulous women, who have listened to me talk, laugh and cry through the years.
I am thankful for my daughter's engagement to a wonderful supportive man. I wish her at least 34 years!
I am thankful for hot cups of tea, especially those made for me with love by someone else.
I am thankful for flowers- all kinds. My mom, the practical one, never liked flowers because they would eventually die. I am happy for the time that they live.
I am thankful for so many good foods that not just taste good, but make me feel good all over- real mashed potatoes, ice cold watermelon, Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies, strawberry ice cream with chunks of strawberries, pizza, fresh whipped cream, a juicy steak. The list could go on and on....
I am thankful for my country, no matter who is in office and who I may or may not agree with. I am thankful I can vote and go to whatever church I want to go to.
I am thankful that my God loves me no matter how many times I screw up.
I am especially thankful for the days I have lots of energy- lately thay are at a premium.

I am sure there are lots more, but you get the idea. Sit down and write your own list. I feel better already. I think I'll go make myself a cup of tea and look for a Milano cookie.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.