I know my God has a sense of humor because He decided to place the "change of life" right at the same time when we are emptying our nest, seeking new direction, re-inventing our marriage, dealing with young adult children and still raising young children. At a time when we should have been given tickets to "fly the coop" ourselves for a year of exploration, while carrying our buckets of tears, He made sure we would deal with all of it in front of the whole world. When we were pregnant, those hormonal moments of tears and moodiness were overlooked as raging hormones...they now creep back in with a not-so-nice pregnancy glow like they had before.
When these days come...and I know some women don't experience this (and please don't try to find my horns)...well, I can set down with "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To" songs or learn to laugh. Then there are times when I could just enter into a show and dance one scene of independence.. a declaration to my family that I do have a name other than Mommy and Wife and I do have a life...YOU DON'T OWN ME!!!!. When I feel this way (yes, giving way to my bent toward rebellion and independence) I can start grinning from ear to ear seeing this scene from First Wives Club and I would love to step into this song and dance along side them...even if just for a few moments.
I am not endorsing this movie or the message behind it (although my husband knows I love it)....I am just sharing a Mental Pause Moment!!! Luckily, my mental pause is only a for little while...I take off my white suit and return to my family!!
"May we each stay the same... tired, happy, and a little brave!!!"- Bette Midler
Which one are you...Bette Midler, Dianne Keaton, or Goldie Hawn? I would love to be a combination of all three!!! I am revealing my alter-ego. Isn't being silly just one of the best ways to blow the menopause moments away? So stop and just enjoy a smile with me as I stretch my moment of independence...dancing, singing and laughing.
First of all, I LOVE the new font you are using!
ReplyDeleteSecond, your post made me chuckle. It sounds like you are trying to balance those raging hormones with a sense of humor.
I was actually questioning a couple months ago whether I was going through 'the change' myself. But, I'm 40 and I didn't think it would be happening quite yet. So, I'm chalking it up to some residual postpartum stuff.:)
PS - I've really enjoyed all the sweet comments you've been leaving at my blog. Thank you!
WOW ~ how did you know how I am feeling??? LOVE IT! Got to say I'm much like Bette, but longing for Goldie's figure! What a great laugh this morning, before I take my "little purple" pill! As my wonderful & kind dr. said, "oh, you will know when you are going through the change, you will want to kill the cat, dog or anyone else in sight." :) Thanks for these kind, we need some laughs along the way.
ReplyDeleteOh I have DEFINITELY found the only way to deal with all these "change" issues is with laughter. hahaha I loved this post and I loved that movie. Though I haven't seen it in a while and I can't remember all the in's and out's of the characters (another symptom?) so I am not sure who I identified most with etc. It was probably Diane though I am like you ~ parts of them all. Have a wonderful week-end Janette, and thanks for the BIG smile this morning....the song is going to be in my head now, lol.
ReplyDeleteI also like The First Wive's Club!I am probably most like the Diane Keaton character.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the cartoon, I'm all of the above! lol
Oh Janette!
ReplyDeleteI was just telling my friend the other day that I feel like a teenager...trying to find myself. It seems as though my entire adult life has been spent facilitating other people's lives and now I hardly know what to do with my own. Well as you can see I needed a good laugh!
Hilarious! Thanks for making me smile too:) We all need this as the YAYA group...
ReplyDeleteYes, that is exactly how others feel but just can't express it like you do. You have a way with words that makes a person want to laugh. Blessings, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThe only way I got through the grief of all those mid-life changes was to CRY! You have my permission...
ReplyDelete(A herb called Black Cohosh helped enormously to curb the hot flashes. Green tea and soymilk helped too.)
We faced similar upheavals... without the little guy in tow though. Plus we had aging parent issues to wander through; a death, finding a nursing home for my father, buying and selling a home for my MIL, our daughter's wedding, a move, and business stresses. Top that with the Recession of '08 and there was good cause for disorientation and grief.
I'm glad you can still laugh and giggle. You're the most upbeat cheery person I know! Your family thanks you for holding it all together.
Go play this weekend, if you can. Happy Valentine's Day!
Blessings, e-Mom
Never saw that movie, but I might have to get it. LOL. I can relate to the hormonal feelings although I don't think it is menopause yet(please not yet). LOL.
ReplyDeleteCute post! The best day of my life was the day I had my hysterectomy. Before that my husband said I was the sweetest person in the world three weeks out of the month.
ReplyDeleteNow all of his dreams have come true! Ha!
I can relate but barely. It has been a few years and just as childbirth pains, one tends to forget "the horror" of all this once it's over.
This too shall pass! BUT NOT SOON ENOUGH!
LOVE,
Dianne
I'm well on the other side of the dance! And it's great!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say to you is... just wait!!! You'll have new vim & vigor & hormones when that whole dance is behind you!! I didn't believe it when they told me that... it's true!! LOVE being the age I am!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the 7 dwarfs, and feel like all of them most of the time. I try not to but sometimes things happen.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely post, thanks.
I am with Dianne, Rebecca and Sonja--just hang on, it's great
ReplyDeleteon the other side!!
Blessings,
Sandy
Oh, how fun these mid-life years are...NOT!!
ReplyDeleteHaving gone through "the change" at 51 - I am now without a hormonal excuse for my bad behavior. That's not too much fun. Now, I just have to own up to being...um, overly sensitive.
And goodness, "forgetful" just gets worse!! Next week I'm posting a little something about that - I'm scheduling it today, in case I forget to do it next week!
"You don't own me" - I like that. I've always been a fan of "You're not the boss of me!" Same thing...
Just a random, mental pause, independent woman trying to assert the fact that she DOES, indeed, have a NAME!!
Loved this - GOD BLESS!
Its been such a long time since I saw that movie - I am a fan of both Goldie and Bett (wouldn't mind Goldies figure!).
ReplyDeleteI am a few years away from this "problem" but I have three close friends who have all gone through menopause so I am well versed on what happens as they have shared their ups and downs in great detail.
I am right there with you. I am turning 45 this year, and have been in Menopause now for a couple years. Hot flashes, mood swing, the flow has checked out. I have an adult child, a teen and a 10 and 7 year old. Some days, I feel like crawling in a hole and staying there. But I think I would get too hot! Isn't getting older fun?
ReplyDeleteHi Janette -
ReplyDeleteThank you for this glimpse into your journey.
I did not see the movie but smiled at your adventure...
Hi Janette!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post!
Love these actresses! Diane Keaton is one of my all time favorites ~ I'd love to fit in their size 0 pants for one thing!
"What's for dinner honey?"
Me: It's "Bowl of Cereal Night"
LOL
Have a wonderful weekend! Happy ♥ Day ~
Maria
You had hubby laughin out loud right beside me! I'm ALL of those dwarfs and not officially even pausin' ... yet. My hormones sure do try to rule me. I must admit they bring me closer to God ("Lord, puleeze HELP me"). Love your links and will watch that movie and decide who I empathize with most... Thanks for the giggles for our whole family. It helps to realize even sweet cookie bakers have mental moments! ;-P
ReplyDeletexoxo
Leslie
ps now send me a snowman - so pretty n YUMMY
Somehow I think I missed that movie so I'll have to line it up in my Netflix account right now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the smile this morning! I know you will survive this season of your life because you are finding your way with humor, friends, and help from the One in charge of it all!
Funny!! I'm not there yet but somedays I think it might be looming around the corner with unwanted emotions lol I'll remember your advise HA!
ReplyDeleteBtw YES I could hear you yelling YES YES YES! I thought it was somebody out on the street lol
I bet your banner dancing days were wonderful - the clip goes to show you can still do it lol
Thanks for visiting me today - blessings
You totally crack me up!!! This is so funny, and yes, I feel like this sometimes. And yes, my husband would chuckle and endorse the message with yours.
ReplyDeleteBecause they love us, the poor saps.
As for FWC? I want so much to be Dianne, but I'm afraid I'm just a little bit too much Bette. Sigh.
Oh how I loved this!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this movie but just maybe I need to watch it?
I'm already well past the change. But I can so identify when I used to have those fabulous hot flashes at the most inappropriate times. LOL
I'm catching up on my blog reading since it's Saturday and ...no work.
I linked over to the 350 Bake blog and loved it. Although I need to watch my weight, it's fun to bake something special for holidays. And of course, there's always some holiday going on, right?
Love you Janette,
Debbie
He He He! I'm glad you didn't ask us which of the dwarfs we relate to! This was sucha fun post! xo
ReplyDeleteJanette, You always have a way of lifting my spirit, this post is wonderful!!! I guess I am more like Dianne Keaton, a little reserve but when I get started watch out. lol
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading some of your previous post and was so blessed too, I keep my cookie cutters in the same type jar, and now girl, you could have took the credit for those cookies, I wouldn't have told. lol
As always I leave so uplifted, you truly have the gift of encouragement. Thank you for your concerns and most of all for your prayers, this has been one uphill battle, but God has been so gracious, and I am now feeling so much better.
Hugs,
Sue
You are hilarious! Love the moment and I can just picture you standing with Goldie, Bette and Diane and singing!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, at 38, I can relate too well to this post as cancer has thrust me into menopause. I was just talking with a few ladies this morning at church about the hot flashes and mental fog! Ahh, this too shall passs!
Thanks for the smiles and the laughs. We all need them. :)
Much love,
Stacy
Hi Janette -
ReplyDeleteBe encouraged...the SON is cooking with you!
Had to laugh as I read your blog. It is 4:21 and I am still awake! I don't cry much but I don't sleep much either! When I get on Facebook at night I see all my other friends my same age. Has to make me laugh!
ReplyDeleteThanks