Paper Plate in My Purse

You may be wondering if I really have a paper plate in my purse, and if so, why in the world am I carrying around a paper plate in my purse. It is simple, really. It's called perimenopause. Never heard of it? Well, neither had I until I did a little google-ing and discovered there is a term for times like these:

Picture me, sitting on the front step, watching my kiddos play outside. It is a beautiful sunny fall day. The temperature is in the mid 70's, the sun is shining brightly, there is a slight breeze in the air. The kids are running and laughing and exerting all of this bundled up energy. I, on the other hand, am sitting serenely on the front step and enjoying a moment of happiness. Until the familiar warm rush begin in my toes and quickly makes its way up to my head where it explodes into a sweat. Now, remember that I am not exerting any effort whatsoever, unless you consider the effort it takes for my eyes to focus on my children. I am merely sitting. SITTING! And my own personal summer has set in for a few minutes. This apparently is called a hot flash (personal summer sounds so much better, don't you think?) and is one of the symptoms of perimenopause. I have learned that these little personal summers come and go unexpectedly, generate a tremendous amount of heat, and produce enough sweat to make you want to take a shower. I have also learned that keeping a paper plate in my purse to use as a fan in a moments notice is an excellent idea. I am now google-ing herbal remedies for these personal summers, among many other perimenopausal symptoms. It is quite comforting, actually, to know that I am normal. . .if you can consider hair loss, mood swings, fat clinging onto your body, personal summers, etc. normal. Now that I know what is going on, I can embrace it with dignity and say. . .I am Peri and Proud!