The Ever Greater Uphill Battle

I thought I could get away with it. Here I was, in relatively decent shape for fifty. And then, in just a few short weeks - okay, I'll admit it, more like a month plus - I lost my edge. Gone. Kaput. Vanished.

It’s not like I didn’t see it coming. The rainy season was the perfect excuse not to jump into the pool for my morning workout. I hate frigid water. But then, reality soon came a-knocking. The thigh muscles actually started talking to me. I swear they had this freakish Oz-thing going on. “We’re melting!” they taunted. I could feel them giving up, slackening and losing control. And if I kept ignoring them, I knew what would happen.

And yet, ignore them I did. Freezing pool aside, we also started having workers at the house by 6:00am. Call it Excuse Number Two. No way would I be parading around in a swimsuit in front of them. That's when those two weeks turned into four (plus). When my entire body started taking on this disgusting pudding-y thing. Worse than ever. Thighs, belly, arms, face. Yikes. They were all screaming, “I’m melting!” in unison. I had to get this sick cacophony out of my head.

The problem is, I know what my problem is. All my life, exercise has been a fairweather thing to me. I go in fits and spurts. And just when I get to the point of being relatively “buff”, I reward myself by letting go. Smart, ha? But I can see this menopausal body’s not going to let me get away with it anymore. One slip and it’s a quick slide off to pudding land. Dang!

I finally broke down this morning and got into the pool. I froze at first, but have to admit it felt great. Tomorrow I start walking with a friend. And maybe, if I really get my act together, I may just get to the gym for some weight lifting. Those happen to be the only forms of exercise I actually like, so I’m sticking to them. I have to. So cheer me on, will you? I’m gonna need it. Big time.

How does exercise fit into your life? Are you a natural, or is it something you have to put your mind to like me? What kinds of workouts do you prefer? And, if you have any move or routine that keeps away this pudding-y thing, (especially for midlife belly and thighs), I beg you to share!

Brain Fog

OF ALL THE THINGS I'VE EVER LOST, I MISS MY MIND THE MOST!
~Author Unknown

Great quote, isn't it? I used to think so too ~ until it became a reality. I swear, I'm 50 and losing it.

The latest joke around the house when we're looking for something is, "Hey, did ya check the fridge?" Funny, very funny. And when I space out on something I should definitely know, Jeff will say, "It's okay, honey. You're still very, very cute."

I don't want to be cute ~ I want my mind back. I used to juggle all kinds of details and pull them out exactly when I needed to. I was a school principal for God's sake! And now? I'm a flippin' mush-brain.

Last weekend was the clincher. It was our anniversary, and we were meeting friends for dinner at at a restaurant. Just about ready, the phone rang.

"Patricia, did you forget?"

Pause. Huge pause. Oh...My..God! A few days ago this lovely couple had invited us to dinner. I'd completely spaced it out, not even telling Jeff. I was horrified. Thoroughly embarassed. And scared as hell. We went, and thankfully they were still gracious to entertain us. And our other friends? I can only say how grateful I am they know me well enough to forgive, too. Yikes.

So, is this a menopause thing? It's the only one that seems to be really hitting me so far. But if not, what else could it be? I don't even want to go there. For now I'm taking some natural supplement called Huperzine-A that was featured on a morning show. I'll let you know if it works.

But meanwhile, misery loves company. Please, oh, please tell me this is normal!