The vast majority of people just love fall. October seems to make so many people so damn happy. I admit, I do love Halloween, but I’ve never been one to embrace fall because, for me, that means winter is just around the corner. I fucking hate winter. Winter is a deep, dark pit of despair for me. This gal needs sun, and Kentucky winters are so damn gray. I’ve never liked being cold, and I’ve been cold my whole damn life, until recently.
Back to fall. I find myself looking forward to it and even enjoying it this year. I know it is my elevated body temperature from menopause, but whatever it takes. Just this morning I left my house to meet some friends to knit. I was delighted by the crisp fall air. I only had on a T-shirt and some jeans, but it felt nice. I do prefer not to sweat. I have sweated a lot in the last few months—more than any one woman should.
These cooler temperatures also mean I can get out and walk more. Gus is also happy about this, as he is my doggie walking buddy. I’m trying really hard this year to be grateful for the season. I believe strongly in putting gratitude out into the universe. It makes all the difference. No sense in being bitter all the time. That doesn’t do anyone any good.
I’m curious to see how this new appreciation for fall translates into my feelings about winter. The intensity with which I’ve always hated winter cannot be understated. I fucking hate it. Or at least I used to. I still certainly don’t like it, but with a much higher body temp, I can tolerate it better—except for all the gray. Sun, please!
Menopause has changed so much about how I live my life. I used to always be cold. No more. Rarely am I even chilly anymore. It’s weird. You get so accustomed to being a certain way, and your body just wakes up one morning and says, “Fuck you.” This is how we are going to be doing things now. “Buckle up bitch. It’s going to be a wild ride.” I’ll be honest, it’s a little hard to take. I have lots of cute clothes that I never wear anymore because I’m too damn hot for a wool sweater. It’s really horse shit.
Wild doesn’t even begin to describe the horror that is menopause. I know some manage it gracefully and appreciate this new time in their life. I’m here to tell you that has not been my experience. I have hated every fucking second of the terrifying journey. It’s for the birds! I give it zero stars. Do not recommend.
This brings us back to the loveliness of fall that I feel I’m finally able to appreciate. That is a win. Lots of sun. Beautiful leaves. Perfectly chilly temps. No sweat stains on my t-shirts.
I hope I’m able to maintain this attitude for the rest of the season and on into winter. That remains to be seen, but I’m going to give it the ole college try!
So, here’s to fall and all the joy it brings people. For the record, I’m still not drinking a damn pumpkin-spiced latte! I haven’t totally gone over the edge.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
