DINET Needs Our Help!!!

If you haven't done so already, please read the Spring 2011 edition of DINET's quarterly newsletter. I have been a newsletter contributor since last year when they were seeking volunteer writers. Now, however, DINET (Dysautonomia Information Network) is seeking a new president in order to keep the organization afloat. I know so many brave, strong, articulate and amazing individuals who would be perfect for this position. Please do not be intimidated by the title, people of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply. If you have any experience with dysautonomia and any interest in being a leader for DINET, I would strongly encourage you to apply. It is an honorary volunteer position and current president Michelle Sawicki has simply reached a point where she has too little time and energy to devote to the organization.

This is a wonderful organization and an important resource for all of us to refer doctors, friends and family to in order to help them gain understanding and awareness of this debilitating and complicated condition. In fact, DINET.org was the trusted website my electrophysiologist referred me to upon my diagnosis. Let's each do our part to keep it up and running.

Winter Update

The weather outside is frightful, my Christmas decorations are up, and so are my spirits. Although I am battling a very nasty head cold at the moment, I do have a few things to celebrate.

I started at my new job a few weeks ago and so far it is going quite well. For those of you who have been wondering, I am working full time (40 hours) and telecommuting, which I would highly recommend. Working from home enables me to put my feet up while working and work from my laptop in bed if need be. It is nice to have that kind of flexibility without having to worry about a commute. It took me nearly two whole years to find this job, but it well was worth the wait. My hope is that I can continue in this position for a long time. I am happy to report that so far I have gotten only positive feedback from my employer, and the work is interesting and engages my communication skills.

Last month I also finished my first articles for DINET's quarterly newsletter. I'm looking forward to seeing them published in the Fall Edition which should be online any day now. My usual indecisive self had a hard time choosing a topic, so I wrote two short articles instead: one on barometric pressure and one on being housebound during the holidays.

On another positive note, I managed to wrap all the Christmas packages with minimal frustration this year, and for once they actually look pretty (wrapping presents is not my forte). My pink tree is up and decorated to near perfection except for a strand of pink lights that is partially burnt out. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Christmas episode of Glee featured a pink tree just like mine! (It was Brittany's, go figure.)

I think that's about it for now...just wanted to fill everyone in on some positive news for a change. Hoping the holidays go smoothly for everyone and that we all share in improved health and happiness this holiday season!