ButYouDontLookSick.com : written by Christine

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We All Have Lupus. - My Speech from The Lupus Gala Brunch

The following speech was given by Christine Miserandino - Donato at the Lupus Gala Brunch given by the Lupus Alliance of Long Island/ Queens. It is titled "We All Have Lupus"

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Out of Hibernation- Thoughts on the Weather

I have been really enjoying this new summer weather. I love the warmth and sunshine- such a welcome relief from the dreary, gray days of winter. Although this seasonal metamorphosis happens every year, I can't help but be amazed at the changes.

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The Spoon Theory

Please take the time to read Christine Miserandino's personal story and analogy of what it is like to live with sickness or disability.

Click HERE to read "The Spoon Theory"

"My Secret is safe with ME" -what I wish people knew about me.

It has been said by many people that I am a very good actress. "But You Don't Look Sick" seemed to be all I heard. Is this a good thing? Sometimes it is an appropriate thing to say after a speaking engagement, or when I used to
act in class, etc. Most times I take it for the compliment it is, all the while smiling, knowing exactly what it doesn't mean. It simply means I am not the woman/ the girl I was before. I "act" like a healthy person the best I can. I take on this role as if I will someday win an award for best portrayal of a healthy person. The downside, is that there is no trophy, there is no prize, I just end up alone with my feelings and everything I have kept inside. I act like I don't care- but I do. I act like I am not scared, but I am.

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Why I Participate in the Lupus Walk

It is the beginning of October and you know what that means to us here at Butyoudontlooksick.com... It is Lupus Awareness month. For this month, I try to post mostly about Lupus or lupus related stories, reviews etc. I also spend a lot of time talking about my efforts with the Lupus Walk in my local area. It is getting closer...there are only 18 days left to fundraise until the walk (On Oct 21). We need your help to reach our goal.
My walk page: http://www.firstgiving.com/cdonato

Many people have asked me why I choose to participate in the Walk Along for Lupus. Of course there are many other things I can be doing with my time on an early Sunday morning. Asking a women who has lupus and arthritis to wake up early and walk is certainly asking for a miracle. This year will be especially hard to get out of the house with a new baby. Hasn't anyone ever thought of a sleep athon??

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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.

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The Birthday Blues

It was my birthday this week and I have been in a funk, depressed, and moody and no one really understands why. Birthdays are occasions for presents, friends, and usually a few candles to blow out. Everyone around me has tried to cheer me up with lunch dates, surprise parties and lots of chocolate cake.

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Happy New Year - 1 Word - 2006

I love the thought of New Year's Day. It is a great chance to renew the spirit, set goals, and start fresh. Whatever you have experienced in the past year this is a chance to have a new outlook. What a great feeling!

For those of you who were members of this newsletter last year, you might remember that every New Year's eve, instead of "resolutions" I pick a one word that encompasses all the things I want to work on, for the upcoming year. I have encouraged friends, family and readers of this website to do the same thing.

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"Addition by Subtraction" - Sometimes Less Is More: A Lesson In

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must re-evaluate things. For some it is their career path or material possessions, for others it is their choice in friends or bonds with family. For me, this year, it has been a little of everything.

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