Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hot and Cold (04/09/09)
-
TITLE: Just Call Me "The Flash" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Powers
04/14/09 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Woolen socks? Check. Flannel PJs? Check. Two blankets? Check. My body feels as though someone jammed ten popsicles on the ends of my feet, and then ran them up and down all my bones. But, for now, I am wrapped up, tight. I’m starting to get comfortable. Ahhh…
As I drift off to sleep, I envision toasters and hot chocolate; deserts, beaches and a roaring fire; anything to keep my chilled body warm.
Three hours later, I wake up in a sweat. Now, it feels like there’s a furnace inside me and it’s heated my blood and replaced it with molten lava. I am sweating like I’m in a sauna. So, I throw off both blankets, shuck the socks and fan my PJ top frantically upward, to cool myself off. Groaning, I peek at the clock, and groan again when I see its digital dial taunting me with the time. I stumble to the bathroom for a cool wet washcloth, and run it over my burning forehead.
Back in the bedroom, I trade my flannels for a tank top and shorts. Cooler, I return to bed. I now envision ice floes, ski slopes and living inside a meat locker. I briefly check the floor, next to the bed, for the location of the now-discarded pajamas, socks and blankets.
I am going to need them again in a few hours.
It’s another night in the not-so-jolly Land of Menopause.
I can remember thinking cramps were a woman’s worst enemy, and it hasn’t been so long that I can eliminate them from that title completely, but these hormonal surges aren’t anyone’s friend. My comfort zone is so variable now, as regards temperature, I not only never know how many layers to wear, I never know when I’ll suddenly break into a sweat and be so uncomfortable that it’s hard to stay in the room.
A full night’s sleep is just a distant memory.
God knows why He made women the way He did, and I won’t begin to question Him. Just as He made our bodies behave in mysterious ways, as regards to pregnancy, and how it occurs and progresses (pickles and ice cream, anyone?), He must have a reason for this trip up and down the virtual thermometer. Maybe, as we are approaching the latter half of our lives, He wants us to be sure we have a daily reminder of what hot and cold feel like; lest we are tempted to think we might actually be able to survive an eternity in the Hot Place.
As for me, I’m trying to be grateful to be in the part of life that I now am – hormones and all. I am as God has made me, and I’ll do my best to learn the lessons of this phase of life.
Now, where did I put those stupid socks?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Just downright delightful writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it, smiling at so many wonderful captures of the changing moments.