Michele's Memos

Happy Holidays From Michele

2009-12-20T19:50:00.003-06:00

Hello Girlfriends!

I want you to know there are two brand new articles in the From Michele section at remifemin.com. I hope you will read them and leave a comment or two. Commenting really means alot to other readers.

Are you all set for the holidays? I am! Really!

Just started earlier this year..made a list...checked it twice..and I'm good to go. I took up watercolor painting recently and I know that if I don't have any free time, I don't get to paint, so I always want to get everything done so I can enjoy this new passion of mine.

Have you started any new hobbies lately?

I don't care how good I am it it...I just love it. I enjoy it. I hope you are doing something you've always wanted to do and really enjoy. It's one of the blessings of getting a little older. I feel great too...hot flashes, night sweats...controlled with Remifemin. It's been a real life saver for me.

I hope you visit the From Michele section of remifemin.com often..I post new articles every month. You'll find coupons on specials too...all helpful.

Here's to an amazing 2010. Let's stay in touch. Remember, this is the year you can be very very good to yourself! Let me know how you are doing that! michele@remifemin.com

Womans World Says it Again!

2009-09-24T21:30:00.002-05:00

Oct. 5th Womans World magazine has the news! The cover says: The PMS cure that lowers breast cancer risk 60%! ..Turn to page 20...and it says:
Did you know? A brand-new study found black cohosh can slash your risk of breast cancer by more than 60%! and then a Black Cohosh article goes on to talk about how a recent study found that black cohosh eases menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, nights sweats and even vaginal dryness as effectively as prescription hormone replacement therapy, but without the side efffects!
Read it for yourself! Tell your friends! Then explore www.remifemin.com and find out how RemiSure Black Cohosh in Remifemin is clinically studied and has been used safely by women in Europe for over 50 years.
Tell your friends...share the news!
This is fantastic...let me hear from you!
michele@ remifemin.com
Visit the from michele section of www.remifemin.com and leave some responses!
Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/remifemin

Spread this good news!
and ...Remember to be good to yourself today!

Are you still there?

2009-08-02T21:35:00.002-05:00

Hey Girlfriends!

Sometimes blogs are read , sometimes they kind of fade. I now have articles on the From Michele section at Remifemin.com and Twitter quite a but during the week under Remifemin. So the question becomes...are you reading the blog? Or are you reading the articles at From Michele at Remifemin.com?

What would you like to read about on this blog?

Do you understand how much Remifemin can help you in your menopausal journey...and how safe and prove it is?

I wish we could get together over a cup of coffee...but we will have to rely on my articles, the blog and twitter.

Please respond to this blog and please read my articles in the From Michele section at http://www.remifemin.com and please respond! One comment from you means more than you know.

We're in this together! Let me hear from you.

Time to Comment!

2009-06-06T23:25:00.003-05:00

Hi Girlfriends!

I tend to twitter and have articles more on the website than I have been blogging...if you haven't already, go to twitter.com and sign up for an account. It's free and then you can follow me. Just search Remifemin or link to it here. I think you'll enjoy Twitter.

I also think of you when I write my articles at www.remifemin.com , just click on the From Michele section in the left hand navigation. I try to give you information, encouragement and a laugh or two along the way! Why not leave a comment on the latest articles? Your thoughts and feedback encourage other women in menopause...we all need each other because this can be a difficult time to navigate life.

Are you taking your Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night consistently? It really does make a big difference. I"m glad we can keep each other company and share thoughts along the way.

Let me hear from you on twitter...on the Remifemin website...on right here on this blog!

Remember to be good to yourself!

Michele

And feel free to contact me directly too... michele@remifemin.com

Articles with you in mind

2009-04-07T14:33:00.003-05:00

Hey Girlfriends!

Have you seen the articles I'm writing with you in mind? You can find them at www.remifemin.com Just look on the left hand tab that says "from Michele."

I try to think of what will be helpful...what you might be worried about or wondering.

I try to impart some information that you can use. That's my part and what I do.

But what about you? I need to hear from you too! You can comment right on the page...what are you learning, hearing, thinking or just feel like sharing?

Please let me know your thoughts. I've got a fun article about my friend Barbie...I have a feeling she was in your life too. Visit, see what I mean...and leave a comment!

Good In = Good Brain

2009-03-31T10:52:00.003-05:00

Hey Girlfriends!

Having lots of fun on Twitter! We have over 800 followers and would like more...so if you aren't on Twitter...jump on board! (See previous blog for more info on this!)

Have you been reading my articles at http://www.remifemin.com/ ? I enjoy writing them because I think about all the emails I receive from women around the country and everything they are experiencing in perimenopause and menopause. Most women aren't "early adopters" meaning...they aren't proactively trying to find out what might be happening to them when perimenopause starts. I'm more likely to hear from you when you've had one too many hot flashes or you aren't sleeping...and you are tired of it! You also really want to know that what you are taking is safe and natural. In this day and age, you do have to be your own medical advocate. We love our doctors, but sometimes, because it's our bodies, we do a little more research on what's out there than they do. Do you agree?

That's why I would like you to really explore all the articles at www.remifemin.com You'll learn a lot and hopefully when you read my articles, a smile will flash across your face. I do love humor and I want to share some smiley moments with you on your journey.

One thing about us women in menopause, we "get" each other...right? I'm here as a listening ear through the wonder of email, and on twitter. Share some blog thoughts before you leave!

Twitter Away!

2009-03-04T12:25:00.002-06:00

It's all over the news and you may wonder...what are they talking about? It's so simple, you have to get on board and sign up for a Twitter account. Just go to twitter.com and sign up and then start letting the world know what you are doing in a 140 letters or less. Remifemin is on twitter...written by me...

michele@remifemin.com

Under search, then look in twitter and type in Remifemin and we should come up and you can follow our updates on twitter...we'd like to hear from you, and follow you too!

That will all make sense once you sign up for twitter. It really is a fun way to stay connected...and you can send direct messages through twitter too. You Tube has some great tutorials if you need help as well.

Let's have some fun! Let's Twitter!

2009-01-31T17:14:00.002-06:00

Hello Girlfriends!

I recently got to take a break from a brutal midwest Winter to escape to the Magic Kingdom in California.

Wow. Green grass. Sandles. No coat. 80 and sunny every day in a week where we hit 50 below with the windchill back home.

Culture shock.

I was visiting a dear friend who lives in LA and I had miles on my credit card...so for me it was a free flight, free place to stay...and a fun "girls" week for little change.

It's so important in these times of stress, (that would be just hearing the news today) to be good to ourselves. They probably means something different for everyone. For me it was figuring out how to take off work, leave the homefront, and affordably go somewhere just for fun.

It also means I still take two regular Remifemin in the morning and a Remifemin Good Night at night. If I do that...I am doing great. I can manage this topsy turvey journey on menopause. If you are searching for a natural, healthy way to deal with menopausal symptoms...I recommend Remifemin. You have heard a lot of talk in the media lately about "identical" this and that...and hormones...and all I will say is...please be careful and do your homework.

Remifemin is hormone free. It's not magic...but sometimes when I think about all the benefits it does provide, it feels like it!

Please let me know how you are weathering the weather, the times we live in and how you are taking time to be good to yourself. I'd love to hear from you!

Also visit Remifemin.com and search the article section to read some of my latest thoughts.

Don't forget I'm here for questions or a good vent to...michele@remifemin.com

Keep wishing on stars as Jiminey Cricket would say!

Resolve to be good to Yourself!

2009-01-07T20:48:00.004-06:00

(My husband and I just celebrated our 30th Anniversary!)

Maybe you sought out this blog because for the first time you know you need to find out more about menopause.

Maybe you've been "around the block" when it comes to menopause, but you're ready to explore something that is safe even for women with a history of breast cancer.

Maybe you have a friend who just isn't thinking clearly, experiencing hot flashes and you're concerned.

Whatever your reason...

I'm glad you are here. It's 2009, and Remifemin which has been used by women in Europe for over 50 years is still going strong to provide relief for a change...hormone free.

Proven, easy to use and always here for you.

How many things in life can you say that about?

Don't forget to explore http://www.remifemin.com/ and decide that this is the year you will be good to yourself!

Need more information, wondering about something or just need to vent?
I'm here for you, I'm experiencing menopause just like you.
michele@remifemin.com

Let's blog and let's talk!

2008-12-14T14:40:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays to all my Remifemin Girlfriends!

I hope your stockings are hung by the chimney with care...here's the stockings at my house...waiting for the kids to come home for the holidays, at least the ones that can make it.

Don't forget to put a box of Remifemin or Remifemin Good Night on your Holiday list of "must haves." It can be a stressful time of year because most of the festivity making falls on our "to do" list. All the more reason you don't need to be dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and occasional sleeplessness.

Leave the sleeplessness to the elves! :)

I hope you truly enjoy time with family and friends, but don't forget to be very good to yourselves during this busy time of year.

I have the perfect New Year's resolution for you...

Do more blogging!

Peace and joy,

Michele

Yah, We Get It

2008-11-10T19:44:00.003-06:00

Hey Girlfriends...isn't this cute and TRUE?

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND

10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

And the number one thing I'd like you to understand?

You can manage menopause with a non-hormonal safe, natural product that has been used by women in Europe for over 50 years.... Remifemin!
and for extra help with sleep and menopause: Remifemin Good Night.

Tell me how you're doing! Let's talk!
michele@remifemin.com

It's What They Said!

2008-10-07T22:27:00.003-05:00

Hey girlfriends!

It's breast cancer awareness month. We all have been touched personally in some way by breast cancer. I have too. We want to do all we can against this horrible problem.

That's why I want to quote the Oct. 13th Woman's World article..page 12...talking about Black Cohosh.

Here's what point 3 says:

Black Cohosh - an herb used by Native Americans for centuries - is now proven safe and effective at easing change-of-life symptoms such as hot flashes - without the breast cancer risk that hormone replacement therapy may bring. Plus, a new study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that women taking a black cohosh supplement reduce their risk of breast cancer by 61%!

Tip: Ask your gynecologist how much black cohosh, sold under the brand name Remifemin, will be effective for you.

That's what the magazine says...I hope you will think about what important news this is for your life.

Do something positive to affect change this month.

Tell me what you did!

Knowledge is Power

2008-09-14T20:36:00.002-05:00

Knowledge is power. No doubt!

That's especially true when it comes to how you will react to your menopausal journey. The best thing you can do is explore and talk to other women. Talk to your doctor. If applicable, talk to your Mother. (You will probably go through menopause about the same age she did.) Talk to your sister(s) and girlfriends.

Find out what they know, but then check the facts of what you're hearing.

Explore http://www.remifemin.com/

Visit the FAQ's and Testimonials. You'll find answers to many of your basic Remifemin questions...like how much can you take. The testimonials are people just like you who called or emailed and wanted to share their success stories of how Remifemin really helped them.

Understand all the choices out there, and weigh what is right for you.

I hope that we have moved far beyond any embarrassment, or stigma about menopause. It is a part of every woman's life...and it's nothing to be afraid of....or feel weird about.

It's a challenge, annoying at times and will make you slow down and think about everything.

Remifemin is a great option I hope you'll consider. It's natural and has been used safely by women in Europe for over 50 years.

Remember...I'm here for you! Blog, chat and realize you aren't alone.

And please...will you continue to be very good to yourself? :)

(I'd love to hear the ways you are accomplishing this!)

The Cotton Candy Incident

2008-08-20T21:23:00.002-05:00

Hello Girlfriends!

I think you'll like the piece below. A friend sent it to me and it reminded me of when my kids were younger and I was at an amusement park with another Mom. This Mom was holding her son and he had cotton candy. He was getting it all over her, not on purpose, just as a part of being a wiggly three year old. She laughed.

I couldn't believe it. I would have become stern and said we have to get this cleaned up...and been annoyed. She laughed. It had a huge impression on me. I tried to laugh more after that. Kids are little once and they are messy and they get cotton candy all over you.

It's worth laughing about.

Menopause can be difficult, but there are some funny moments too if you are looking for them.

Don't forget to laugh. Today, tomorrow and forever.

Keep taking your Remifemin...and let's blog!

From Sacred Voices: Essential Women's Wisdom Through the Ages, edited by Mary Ford-Grabowsky "A Time to Laugh"

1. Laugh when people tell a joke. Otherwise you might make them feel bad.

2. Laugh when you look into a mirror. Otherwise you might feel bad.

3. Laugh when you make a mistake. If you don't, you're liable to forget how ultimately unimportant the whole thing really is, whatever it is.

4. Laugh with small children. They laugh at mashed bananas on their faces, mud in their hair, a dog nuzzling their ears, the sight of their bottoms as bare as silk. It renews your perspective. Clearly nothing is as bad as it could be.

5. Laugh at situations that are out of your control. When the best man comes to the altar without the wedding ring, laugh. When the dog jumps through the window screen at the dinner guests on your doorstep, sit down and laugh a while.

6. When you find yourself in public in mismatched shoes, laugh -- as loudly as you can. Why collapse in mortal agony? There's nothing you can do to change things right now. Besides, it is funny. Ask me; I've done it.

7. Laugh at anything pompous. At anything that needs to puff its way through life in robes and titles. Will Rogers laughed at all the public institutions of life. For instance, "You can't say civilization isn't advancing," he wrote. "In every war they kill you in a new way."

8. Finally, laugh when all your carefully laid plans get changed; when the plane is late and the restaurant is closed and the last day's screening of the movie of the year was yesterday. You're free now to do something else, to be spontaneous,to take a piece of life and treat it with outrageous abandon.--
Sister Joan Chittister, originally published in her book, There is a Season

Where did I put the baby???

2008-07-28T20:40:00.003-05:00

Look! Me about to take my first cable car ride in San Fransisco a few weeks ago...it's really fun to try something new...

I want to encourage you if you're feeling down about things. I hear from many of you that are quite shocked by how difficult the menopausal journey can be. We hear about it for years in a joking manner and it's like many things in life...until we are actually in it...we just don't get it.

I get it ...believe me.

That's why I always encourage you to be good to yourself. It's hard...it really is. Some days are better than others. That's why you have to do what you can...like taking Remifemin. And laughing. The laughing is just so important.

And doing things you want to do . Just do it. Don't wait. Go for it.

You deserve it. I have to pass along things that make us giggle...

Oh yah, where did I put that baby? (It will make sense after you read on)

Let me hear from you...I want to know how you're doing!

Michele

www.remifemin.com

Here's your giggle for the day!

Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down and forget where they
left them.

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but
doesn't really care.

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing,
someone else does.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your
fat are really good friends.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my
knickers'.

Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have
never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

SEND THIS TO 5 BRIGHT WOMEN YOU KNOW AND MAKE THEIR DAY!!! LIVE SIMPLY.....LAUGH OFTEN....LOVE DEEPLY

George Had if Right

2008-07-10T21:45:00.002-05:00

HI Girlfriends...

George Carlin will probably alway be most remember for those "7 words" that I sure don't want to repeat...but I think we should reflect on the words below that he wrote. They will stand the test of time!

I know your menopause journey can be trying at times...but keep taking your Remifemin...and keep your chin up. You can do it...you will get through it...and this too shall pass!

Send some news of you!

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

- George Carlin

Just Plain Old Good Advice

2008-05-28T20:58:00.002-05:00

Hello Girlfriends...
One thing you have to say for this stuff circulating around the internet...every now and then you come upon some gems...that make you think and ponder...and maybe even decide to incorporate a few of them..this is such a list! Enjoy and please keep taking your Reimfemin ...and oh yes...how about some comments on the blog! Remember to be good to yourself today...you deserve it! Michele

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much. NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN! .. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice
TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Don't laugh..This could be you someday!

2008-05-03T15:58:00.003-05:00

What's this picture? Me in front of one of the gorgeous pieces of art I saw in Vienna Austria on a trip I took in Jan. to see my daughter skating in a show in Europe. Don't wait to go and see and do what you want to do! Go for it!

Anyway, back to today's blog!

This is one of those crazy, funny things going around the internet...and it's so funny because it's so true! I'm sure you will relate. Send some news of you and let's get blogging!

Remember to take your Remifemin today ...it can help with ...well read on!

AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS....PLEASE READ!
Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.So, I decide to put the bills back on the tableand take out the garbage first.But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water.I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, the flowers don't have enough water,there is still only 1 check in my check book,I can't find the remote,I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired.I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail....Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don't remember who I've sent it to. Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!

How To Be Good To Yourself

2008-03-13T19:43:00.002-05:00

Hey Girlfriends!
I'm always telling you to remember to be good to yourself...and then I found this little list that you might want to go over to make SURE you are being good to yourself in your menopausal journey. Like most of your life...this whole journey really depends on you taking charge and making good choices. So look at the list..and tell me what your favorites are!
I can't wait to hear from you!

Go to bed on time

Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

Say No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

Delegate tasks to capable others.

Simplify and un-clutter your life.

Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

Take one day at a time.

Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, do what you can and then let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it!

Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
Eat right.
Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

Sit on your ego.

Talk less; listen more.Slow down.Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

And don't forget to take your Remifemin!

I'm Feeling the Love

2008-01-31T20:21:00.000-06:00

Hey Girlfriends!
I hear from so many of you through email...some on this blog too..although I'd love you all to blog more because only I get the benefit of your great emails! If you read my profile, you know my daughter is a professional figure skater. I just got back from going to see her show in Vienna Austria! Wow...a trip of a life time and I'd love to share some pics...but my camera was stolen. The good news is...she downloaded the pics on her computer before I left...so when I get them, I'll share a few.
In the meantime...I love your questions and kind words. Here are a bunch of things to feel good about, and savor...even in our journey. So keep taking to your Remifemin and you know what I always say right? Be good to yourself.....
Promise?

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

15. The beach.

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS

24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

26. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

28. Playing with a new puppy.

29. Having someone play with your hair.

30. Sweet dreams.

31. Hot chocolate.

32. Road trips with friends.

33. Swinging on swings.

34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

35. Making chocolate chip cookies.

36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

37. Holding hands with someone y ou care about.

38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.

40. Watching the sunrise.

41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

42. Knowing that somebody misses you.

43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

45. Keep taking your Remifemin! :)

National Whatever Day

2007-12-28T14:42:00.000-06:00

I'm declaring it National Whatever Day...even if you don't read this the day I write it!

I was doing some research and saw that there is a national day for everything, including one I found I really liked...Dec. 28th, National Chocolate Day!

I'm declaring it National Whatever Day because I want you to do whatever it takes to be good to yourself in 2008...every day!

What does that entail?

No bad talk to yourself...I'm too fat...I'm too old...I'm too this or that.

No you're not!

You're YOU!

Unique! One of a Kind! Quit trying to be a clone of someone or something you saw in a magazine!

Even your menopausal journey is unique. It's yours alone. All kinds of intensity of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleeplessness...it's yours uniquely~

But there is a constant you can rely on: Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night.

Safe, natural, clinically studied...estrogen free.

So. Whatever!

This is National Whatever Day...declared by me...Michele at Remifemin.

I'm going to do whatever it takes to be good to myself today.

Took my Remifemin.

Check

Planned out some healthy eating, but not starving myself.

Check

Doing a half hour of exercise.

Check

Watching one of my new I Love Lucy episodes from the complete set I got for Christmas.

Check

Keeping in touch with you by blogging.

Check

Now...tell me what you're going to to on National Whatever Day?

It's good to giggle

2007-11-21T08:02:00.000-06:00

See the twinkle in my eye when you read this! :)

UCLA STUDY
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that
the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending
on where she is in her menstrual cycle.

For example: If she is ovulating, she tends to be more attracted to men
with rugged and masculine features.

However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal, she tends to be more
attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in
his chest while he is on fire.
No further studies are expected.

Did you giggle? You have to laugh! In this season of thankfulness and joy, don't lose all the opportunities to smile because you are fighting menopausal symptoms...consistently take your Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night. Be good to yourself....don't forget a few treats for yourself when you're out buying so many things for so many people.

Take time to feel the joy.
You deserve it!

Perimenopause and menopause can often be downright difficult. I hear the pain in your emails and blogs as you feel lost and don't know what to do with these things you are feeling and experiencing. I've been there and I know that it messes up your life. But, you have to take control. You have to keep going. You have to do what you can that is safe, natural, proven and can give you some relief. I feel good about taking Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night and I think you should try it. Are there still tough days? Yes, sometimes there are, but they are manageable. I always sign my emails "be good to yourself" because that is such a huge part of getting through this. The self talk and the way you treat yourself makes such a difference in you getting through.

Are you being good to yourself?

Are you exploring everything on the Remifemin website to understand what you are going through and the choices that are available for you?

That song listed above? It's off my son Ben's newest CD, Sun Will Shine. It's called Withered Up Soul and as I was listening I thought it expresses so many feelings we go through in menopause. Sun Will Shine is a song of encouragement. You can hear more of his music and get his CD if you'd like.

Let me hear how you are doing...and let me know that you are taking your Remifemin with a song in your heart!

The Legacy of October

2007-09-27T19:37:00.000-05:00

October.

Get a mammogram.

I can't be any more clear. It's breast health month and the pink ribbons abound. Taking care of your breast health has touched my life immensely through the life of my sister. She fights for her life.

Early detection is the key. Don't let affordability stop you. Check into programs in your community. Call your county health department. Ask questions. Do monthly breast exams.

Talk with your doctor and follow the recommendations on getting a mammogram.

I'm so glad Remifemin is here as a safe choice because it's hormone and estrogen free.

Do what you can to encourage your girlfriends, mothers, daughters and sisters to exercise good breast health year round. Be accountable to each other.

Hey! Cut out the Remifemin ad with my tips in it available in FIRST magazine this month...
make a calendar and put it on your fridge or inside your bathroom mirror...and let me remind you to take care of yourself.

You are an amazing person...and you deserve to be taken care of ....by YOU!

Let me know that you are being good to yourself this month...
Anyone doing some walks...or supporting the breast health cause in some way?
Tell your story!

You are amazing!

2007-09-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

The human body is a machine that is full of wonder.

This collection of human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heckwe were designed the way we were.-
Scientists say the higher your I.Q. The more you
dream.-
The largest cell in the human body is the female egg
and the smallest is the male sperm.-
You use 200 muscles to take one step.-
The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.-
Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.-
A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands.-
A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.-
The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.-
The human brain cell can hold 5 times as muchinformation as the Encyclopedia Britannica.-
It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.-
The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.-
At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.-
There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.-

Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.-
(Can you imagine what it's like in a hot flash??)
The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.-
Your teeth start developing (in your gums) 6 months before you are born.-
When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate.-
Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people.-

Your thumb is the same length of your nose.

At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last fact to the test...now remove your thumb from your nose and pass this on to the friends you think might be interested in comparing their thumbs to their noses as well !

This was sent to me and it was too cute not to send on because it's a good reminder that we are pretty complex beings and our journey through menopause is no different, it is individual and often complex.
Give Remifemin at least 12 weeks to make a difference in your life...and as you can learn in the FAQs at www.remifemin.com, you can take more if your symptoms are severe.

See if your friends will measure their nose and if they need to be on Remifemin~!

Send me some news about you!

No Matter

2007-08-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

It's true.

No matter how much you think about, prepare for, or anticipate perimenopause and menopause, you're never quite prepared for what it's really like.

If you aren't there, you may not agree with me.

If you are there, you're nodding your head "YES!" right now!

My 5 miles hike to the M*A*S*H site, in bad mud and hills...I did it...and you should "go for it" too!

Some things to remember:

This is tough, but it is normal and you are not alone. I can't tell you how many women write me afraid that they are losing it or thinking what they are going through is unusual.

Menopause is a term we throw around, but you are in perimenopause until you have not had a period for one full year. You'll find your period will probably get sporadic before that happens, but the one year mark is the change from perimenopause to menopause.

Remifemin is worth exploring! Read the FAQ's, the testimonials and the resources at http://www.remifemin.com/ There's a lot of good info there that can really help you. If you haven't already, get a free sample and sign up for my memos.

Use this time which can feel like a hardship to examine what you do and don't want in your life.

Emotions can be raw, so use them to move your forward instead of bringing you down.

Be good to yourself! That's so important!

Try to be healthy with eating and exercise, but then sometimes, just except yourself and stop the negative talk. We aren't going to be in our 20's again, and we shouldn't expect to be.

I'm here for you, but talk to your doctor. I can't answer medical questions, but I can attest to how helpful Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night are, and make you aware of this safe, natural way to deal with all of this!

Start blogging! This blog can be a real support to you too...get your friends involved.

What have you accomplished that you can tell us about?

Let's talk!

What Every Woman Should Know!

2007-06-15T19:33:00.000-05:00

A Maya Angelou poem really says its well...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

and I think EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
about Remifemin! This day and age we have to be so careful and Remifemin is the
safe, effective hormone free way to deal with all that menopause can throw at us. Read the FAQ's if you haven't already. You'll find that you can take more if you need to and just how wonderful Remifemin is. Maybe YOU say that best in all the testimonials you send...check out that section too...
What are your plans for the summer? Heading out on vacation...tell me about it and where you are going....

Six Inches of Snow in April, That's Hard to Handle!

2007-04-11T19:11:00.000-05:00

As I write this, we are getting at least six inches of snow in mid April. That is hard to handle!

But then, as we in perimenopause and menopause know, life can be hard to handle!

In high school, we think too much homework and not getting asked to the Prom is hard to handle.

Then we move on in life, maybe get married...the honeymoon ends, real life sets in....and we think that is hard to handle. Possibly 2.5 children arrive along the way, along with a mortgage and a mini-van....and often we wonder if that's too hard to handle!

Then the kids grow up and move away and we think that's hard to handle. Then we don't get the raise or promotion or the career we hoped for ...friends and family experience hardships and illness...and that's hard to handle.

Then our periods start to go whacko and we wonder if we are in perimenopause....the change...the big M...and we begin to wonder how hard that is going to be to handle.

The moral of the story is; no matter what stage of life we are in...there will always be something that is hard to handle! Everyone will have their own version of "hard to handle" and ability to cope with varying degrees of problems. The bottom line is, there are always resources for every hard to handle out there ....and Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night is really worth exploring if you are finding all the stages of menopause hard to handle. Menopause ain't for sissies....that's for sure!

Send some news of what you are finding hard to handle these days and also encouragement for everyone else who is finding something hard to handle!
The ball is in your court....

Do Your Best, Laugh About the Rest!

2007-03-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Ever hear the saying;
Do Your Best, Laught About the Rest~
That is so true as we go through perimenopause and menopause.
Without that kind of attitude, we are prone to lose perspective.
Life can seem overwhelming and just too much.
As long as we keep our sense of humor, we can manage what comes our way.
Do your best...
make the best food choices you can with every meal.
Do your best...
Use that new wrinkle cream you've been wondering about and then let it go!
Do your best...
Do some exercise every day, even if it's a short walk.
Do your best...
Choose to take the natural, safe, proven way to handle hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and occasional sleeplessness*...Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night
and after you have done your best.
Laugh.
Giggle.
Chuckle.
Smile.
Guffaw.
Do your best and laugh about the rest.
You're not a lone and it will be ok...
What do you think bloggers?
How do you "do your best, and laugh about the rest?"
I'm waiting to hear from you!

Who Is on Page 41 of Woman's World?

2007-02-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

If you buy this weeks issue of Woman's World dated Feb. 27th, 2007, the one with cute puppy cupcakes on the cover ( among many other things) you will see a fun Remifemin ad on page 41 with my picture! We're hoping this opens the world of Remifemin to more women, but of course, no ad beats people like you reading this who just go out and tell your friends!

Speaking of ads...where would you be most likely to be affected by advertising in magazines?
What magazines do you read on a regular basis?

I'm a magazine junkie I fear...every one seems chocked full of interesting information and some tidbits that will make my life better. I am always amused though that most of them contain "the best diet ever" along with "the best recipes ever!"

For example, the dog cupcakes on this issue of Woman's World...it's instant puppy love for me! :)

Well, let me know if you see the ad, and also let me know what magazines you read...
and let me know how you're doing with Remifemin!

Ready, set ....BLOG!

Love to see you SMILE!

2007-01-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

What's the focus of this blog?
Just to make you smile, laugh, giggle, chuckle...and be good to yourself for a minute or two!

Why do we need to smile?
Because our memory's not as sharp as it used to be and our memory is not as sharp as it used to be. :)

Before I started taking Remifemin, I didn't think of it as getting flashes, I thought of it as my inner child playing with matches.

Don't let aging get you down...it's too hard to get back up!

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out!

I must admit, I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class. I bent, I twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over!

Remember...you don't stop laughing because you get older, you get older because you stop laughing.

Be very good to yourself and take your Remifemin today!

What made you smile lately?

Send some news of you!

I'm A Consumer Too!

2007-01-08T19:53:00.000-06:00

I know exactly what you're going through.
Coffees good for you. Now it's not. Now it is.
Get out in the sun, no wait, stay out of the sun.
Every day there's a new story in the news to confuse us!
You may have seen the recent story about black cohosh not working for menopausal symptoms.
First of all, I know for a fact that Remifemin has helped me immensely...and no placebo can really stand up to the test of menopause over time. Next...the study was not done on Remifemin which has the one and only RemiSure Black Cohosh. So is there black cohosh out there that really doesn't do anything for menopausal symptoms? Sounds like there could be. Is that the truth about Remifemin? Absolutely not.
It's been studied for over 50 years, over 90 research papers have been done on it, and 15 studies have been published showing it does work.
The bottom line is: not all black cohosh is the same.
Sometimes people email me and wonder why Remifemin costs more than something that sounds like it and they assume is just like it. It's still true. You get what you pay for.
Web MD even published a study showing that some products saying they had black cohosh didn't even actually have any black cohosh in them!
So it's a good idea to be a wise consumer. But it's also a good idea to look beyond the headlines that you will see floating around out there. I'd hate to think someone is missing out on Remifemin simply because they read a headline that black cohosh doesn't work.
Don't settle for less than Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night...you can learn more at our website; www.remifemin.com

So...how are you doing on your menopausal journey?
Have you been telling friends about Remifemin?
Let's talk!

2006-12-17T18:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays to all of you whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hannakah, Kwanza...and Happy New Year since we're almost there too! When you're reading this...it may be 2007...yikes...shouldn't we all be flying around in space ships like on the Jetsons???

Well we aren't quite there yet, but I have to say how happy I am that we have Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night. Did you see all the news coming out recently? The news was not good once again for Hormone Replacement Therapy.
So many women go to their doctor, get a prescription and just don't realize there is a clincially studied, safe, natural alternative....and you know the name of it!
Have you the read the testimonials and the FAQ's...and signed up for my memos at www.remifemin.com? If you haven't...what a great new year's resolution...and I know another one...you can determine to blog at least once a week! :)

I get emails from all over the country! (michele@remifemin.com) Just know that what you're going through is also what's happening to people in the North, South, East and West.... we're all in this together!

What's the new year hold for you? Make a plan on how you're going to be very good to yourself this year...and oh yes...once again for me...exercise more and watch what I eat...I love fresh beginnings...and the New Year always brings that...

Let me hear from you!

Have You Ever Been a Waitress?

2006-12-04T20:23:00.000-06:00

I’ve never been a waitress. Now let me assure you, I’ve had a million different jobs along the way…I’ve broadcast a radio show dressed as a rabbit, counted nuts and bolts for inventory for 9 hours straight and even did a 2 week stint as a dental assistant! With all my various forays into the work word, I’ve never been a waitress, and that’s a good thing! I admire waitresses greatly and a good one really adds to a nice dining experience. The reason it’s a good thing is because I was always afraid I would spill coffee or a big hot meal on someone. Now I know I would.
Lately, I’m dropping things like crazy…thank good ness I didn’t make waitressing my career. I’m better this week, but last week I think I dropped everything I touched. Ever have a week like that? The topper was when I dropped a towel, bent down to pick it up and hit my head on the corner of the towel bar as I was coming up. Just call me Grace!
What kind of jobs have you had through the years…or have you been a waitress and have some good stories?
Let me be real scientific here and take a survey…have you been dropping things lately too?
Thank goodness I’m still taking my Remifemin and getting relief for a change, I have enough going on just trying to hold on to things!
Let’s chat!

Are you Thankful for menopause?

2006-11-27T22:28:00.000-06:00

Are you thankful for menopause?Before you start throwing tomatoes at the screen…and simply clicking “delete”…let’s think about this!
If it weren’t for menopause…We’d keep having periods until infinity!

If it weren’t for menopause…I might not have had to slow down and think about what’s important and what I’m going to do to keep my life on track.I

f it weren’t for menopause…I wouldn’t be exercising my ability to work through difficult things and getting satisfaction by finding the right answers for me.

If it weren’t for menopause…I wouldn’t have as much empathy for other physical challenges that people go through.

If it weren’t for menopause…We wouldn’t be blogging together right now!Of course, I’m thankful for Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night….so I can get relief for a change! And…everyone of you who emails and blogs.In the season of “thankfulness” what are you thankful for?

By the way, we unfortunately lost some posts to this blog because it was technically "played with" by the blog host and then said it was ok...but they lost most of the last posts...so please...blog back..!

Think of Algebra

2006-10-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
-anonymous

Boy, did I hate Algebra! I must say with a very smug smile that I was right. I told them I would never use it and I never have. The truth is, I couldn't if I wanted to, because I don't understand it! Thank goodness my husband had a handle on it when my kids were growing up because I passed along the "no math" gene to them too...(One is a professional figure skater and coach and the other is a singer, songwriter, not excatly math-filled professions!)

That is one of the many things that's great about being our age...we finally start to get rid of some of the "rules" in our head and do what we really want to do. Of course, when it comes to menopause, all of a sudden the playing field drastically changes, and we're left wondering if we "get it" at all.

That's why I rely on Remifemin and Remifemin Good Night. I'm hearing from some of you that you're having trouble finding Remifemin Good Night and I'm really sorry about that! One thing you can do is tell the store where you'd like to buy it, that you'd like them to stock it...especially if they already have Remifemin. The way retailers work is they won't always put two products on the shelf, but if customers start asking for it, they are more likely to.
You can always get it at www.shopenzy.com So make your voice heard to store managers and let me know what kind of reactions you get!

Anyone else hate Algebra? What rules in your head have you overcome? How are you doing?
Let's Talk!

My Views on Marble Cake

2006-09-27T14:38:00.000-05:00

I don't believe in marble cake.

Call me crazy, but I think it shouldn't be a choice. Oh sure, you know the drill. Graduations, birthdays, retirements...you're standing at the counter and the clerk says "What type of cake would you like"...and before you know it, you think you're doing the diplomatic thing by standing in the middle and picking marble cake. Well you're wrong. You have not satisfied people who like white cake and you have not satisfied the people who like chocolate cake. Yes, they may still eat it but inside they are thinking...."this is just not satisfying!"

Next to the conversation of how good the frosting is, it's all about the cake. I've actually made this theory so well known among my friends that if we go somewhere and the people don't know me very well, the people who do know me will try to see my reaction when the cake is cut and the namby-pamby choice is revealed. (I just looked up namby-pamby and it's actually in the dictionary!)
So, what's my point? Boycott marble cake! But, yes, in a pinch, I eat that too. :)

So do you have any earth shattering views on things like marble cake?
I have an assignment for you. I get lots of emails from people directly, but then, everyone on the blog doesn't get to hear from you...so ....this week, in addition to boycotting marble cake, get some of your girlfriends on line and start blogging!
Oh..and ....are you taking your Remifemin? Have you tried Remifemin Good Night yet?
Send me some news!

Feel Like Celebrating With Me?

2006-09-01T12:05:00.000-05:00

It’s National Menopause Month and I’m wondering what we should do to celebrate?!?!
I for one am having a terrible time not wanting to eat the sweets lately…which of course makes me struggle with my weight all the more, which is a constant struggle for me.
So maybe I’ll just resolve to conquer this in light of National Menopause Month …
anyone want to “resolve” with me and keep each other accountable on the blog?

Big news for Remifemin®…we were on Good Morning America several weeks ago (get the link to see it at www.remifemin.com), and we were on CBS This Morning a few days ago.

This blog is mentioned in a really cool press release: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060831/cgth019.html?.v=66

And let’s see…what else…Oh Yes! The Remifemin site is new and improved! You can now get to the FAQ’s, testimonials and the rest of the site much easier.
Here’s something to think about!
A recent WebMD article talked about the problem of some supplements sold as black cohosh that actually didn’t even contain black cohosh! Only Remifemin has RemiSure™ Black Cohosh.
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/121/114330.htm

So you know what the blog is missing right now?

YOU!
I want to hear some news of how you are all doing and what you’re thinking about these days! Become a consistent Blogger…we all need you!
Ready….set…BLOG!

Normal Isn't Just a Town in Illinois

2006-07-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

As you enter perimenopause and menopause, you may start to think that there is no such thing as normal anymore except for a town in Illinois. If you’re wondering how a town received such a name, Governor William Bissell signed a bill to create a normal school in 1857. The term "normal" was based on the French teaching schools and was the general name for all schools set up to be teachers’ colleges. So the town took on the name because of the school. Today, Normal spans 16.92 square miles and has a population of 50,519. Do the people in normal live normal lives and feel normal? Hmmmmm.

Marketers and investors talk about “The New Normal” dealing with the challenges in today’s economy and facing things as they are, not as they were.

Perhaps there’s a lesson for us in the “new normal” too. Economists and companies are told the trick is to get real about the new set of challenges we face and what it takes to win in an environment where there are no shortcuts.

Perimenopause and Menopause may be your new normal. This time of life can last from a month to 10 years…or longer. It seems we spend a lot of energy lamenting “what was” when we may need to get real about the new set of challenges we face.

There are at least 35 recognized challenges related to menopause, and that’s just the ones we can put a “title” on. So the real question becomes…what are we going to do about it?

Here’s a pep talk for those of us longing for the “good ole days” that are now past:
1) What’s happening to you is normal, it’s just not the normal you’re used to.
2) Your journey while having many similarities will also be very individual. It is as unique as you are.
3) There’s a ton of information out there! Educate yourself from reliable sources and take the time to understand what is going on in your body.
4) Do what you can. Eat right,watch caffeine, and realize that even if you’ve always been able to do what you want and not gain weight, you probably can’t anymore. More exercise is a reality if you want to offset that appetite.
5) Talk to your girlfriends. They are “walking a mile in your shoes” and yes, misery does love company!
6) Be good to yourself. Quit comparing yourself to unrealistic models in magazines and stop thinking you’re going to look and feel like you did when you were 20. Accept the beauty and wisdom in your stage of life. Do the best you can this day with what is put on your plate, literally and figuratively!!!
7) Take Remifemin® and/or Remifemin® Good Night. We’ve got the science and the track record to be a real solution to some of the things you are going through.
8) Blog and talk to women around the country…you are not alone!

By the way…is anyone reading this from Normal, Illinois? We’d love to hear more about your town. Let’s hear your thoughts on the “new normal” and blog your own pep talk…we all need to hear from you!

Check out Woman's World Magazine!

2006-07-12T17:13:00.000-05:00

Ever buy Woman’s World magazine at the checkout counter? (You know, next to the magazine where the lady lost 300 pounds in a day and then ran off to join the circus! :))
Check out this week’s issue, it has a great article on Remifemin®. It’s about a nice lady named Yael Wertheimer. She is a patient of Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., who you can read more about at our Remifemin site: www.remifemin.com. Just click on Meet Mary Jane and you’ll read my interview with her. She’s a leading woman’s gynecologist and does advisory work for Prevention Magazine too! (When you read the interview you'll see that's just the tip of the iceberg as to what she does)

HRT was not working for Yael and with Mary Jane’s advice she started using Remifemin with great results! Read the article and let me know what you think!
I’m just back from 9 blissful days in the UP of Michigan, (Upper Peninsula for those not from around these parts) Stayed in a cabin on a lake and loved every minute of it…but missed blogging to great ladies like you!

Let me know if you see the Remifemin article, where you see Remifemin advertising, and what magazines you really enjoy reading!
Fill my mailbox with your blogs please!!
Remifemin Good Night is being very well received….if you don’t know about it yet…check a few blogs back to find out more.

I’m waiting to hear from you!

I am inspired!

2006-06-15T12:58:00.000-05:00

I recently watched the American Film Institutes Top 100 inspirational movies. Those countdown shows always hook me in as I try to see if I agree with their assessments of what belongs in the top 10! This time I really have to agree. The number one pick for most inspirational movie was It’s A Wonderful Life. This time I really have to agree! I really can’t consider it just a Christmas movie because it has such meaning 365 days a year.
Who can forget Clarence the Second Class Angel’s profound statement while trying to earn his wings; Clarence: Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he? It’s a Wonderful Life – 1946

It’s funny to think about the fact that the movie was not a huge box office hit when it first came out. At the time of its release it was considered a box-office flop! We know it so well now because it became a Christmas movie classic in the 1970s due to repeated television showings. Because the copyright protection slipped, it fell into the public domain allowing TV stations to air it for free. Director Frank Capra regarded this film as his own personal favorite and it was also Jimmy Stewart's favorite of all his feature films. Wow…that’s saying a lot!

So here we are, enduring the trials, tribulations and all the calamities that menopause can throw at us on a daily basis. It can be a challenge can’t it? Let’s keep doing what we need to do to make it a wonderful life for each of us. Through this process we’re learning more about ourselves, how we matter and the difference we do make in the lives of everyone we come in contact with. Even on the days that some people would rather not come in contact with us, or they aren’t that crazy about our mood, we know that without us, “there would be an awful hole!”

Keep taking your Remifemin® and check out Remifemin® Good Night! (See my previous two blogs)

What’s your favorite inspirational movie? Send some inspiration out on the blog today…
we’d love to hear from you!

But Wait...there's more good news!

2006-05-31T16:32:00.000-05:00

Word is just in that now through July 30, 2006 you’ll get free shipping when you order Remifemin® Good Night at shopenzy.com!

A dream come true!

Remember, it’s your full daily dose of Remifemin, the only one with Remisure Black Cohosh, plus an herbal Restful Sleep Blend...all in just one evening tablet. If you’re the kind of gal who can’t quite remember to take your twice daily Remifemin, you might also want to consider Remifemin Good Night. (See the blog below for all the details on how to order)

So ladies…what are your plans for the summer?
I head for a campground in Upper Michigan for a week in early July...can't wait!

Send some news about how you'll be enjoying the sunshine in your neck of the woods!

I’ve Got BIG BIG BIG NEWS! (Wanna Snooze???)

2006-05-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

It’s been so hard not to tell you but now I finally can! I get tons of blogs and letters from all of you telling me how you can’t sleep, and how tired you are. We have a new Remifemin® product coming out later this summer to stores, but I’ve been given the go-ahead to tell you about it first! It’s called

Remifemin® Good Night

It has the same RemiSure™ Black Cohosh as Remifemin PLUS an herbal restful sleep blend.* You can count on it for relief of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings etc., but also improved sleep!*
It’s clinically shown to provide 88% improvement in sleep including falling asleep, staying asleep, quality of sleep and occasional restlessness during sleep.*
Non-habit forming, Remifemin® Good Night has been clinically shown to safely and gently support your body’s own long-term sleep pattern.*

So, let me bottom line it for you:
You can take one Remifemin® Good Night at night and you get the full day’s dosage of Remifemin in just one tablet! Plus, you wake up refreshed, not groggy!*

I started taking this several months ago, and I also supplement a regular Remifemin® in the morning because my symptoms have been on the more severe side. I must say, it is wonderful! A great nights sleep and relief for a change…all with Remifemin!*

Here's really good news! YOU CAN ORDER THIS EVEN BEFORE IT HITS THE STORES!
Let’s start a grassroots campaign ladies! Order at the shopenzy.com website…tell your friends…and then talk to the store managers where you would like to see Remifemin Good Night on shelf! If your favorite store doesn’t have it…suggest they get it!
I’m so excited about this…and so happy you can now know about this great addition to the Remifemin family of products. The directions below will bring you to the product order site and you can learn even more about it.
To order go to http://www.shopenzy.com
On the left hand column, click on the women block.
On the right hand column under the women’s products click on hormonal balance.
You’ll see Remifemin Good Night…and you can order it!

What do you think? Are you excited? Tell me your thoughts!!!

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Reality of Remifemin® or I Don’t Think We’re in Kansas Anymore…

2006-05-17T15:25:00.000-05:00

We’re probably all from the same era and grew up watching The Wizard of Oz on TV and reading favorite stories like Cinderella and Snow White. Is there a favorite character that you were longing to meet? I still surround myself with Wizard of Oz memorabilia!
I probably should leave those happy memories alone, but I do wonder what it would be like if those beloved characters suddenly found themselves on the journey of menopause.

Hmmmmm…..
Overheard in Oz…
WW of the West: If I have to put up with one more flying monkey today I’m going to scream.

Dorothy: What are you whining about? Ever since the technology was developed to bring you back from a puddle of water, you’ve been nothing but a witch!

WW of the West: Oh, you should talk…every other minute you’re complaining about how some munchkin must keep turning up the heat…
Why don’t you just admit you’re having a hot flash?

Dorothy: You’re just green with envy because I still have the ruby slippers…oh man…this bunion is really starting to hurt!

At the castle of Cinderella…
Cindi: Hey! Prince! Would it kill you to pick up your underwear and drop it in the hamper instead of hanging it on the bedpost? Oh yea, life is just one big ball…that’s for sure!

At the cottage of Snow White:
Snow: One more Hi-Ho out of you people, and I’m gonna eat that poison apple that was dropped off! And another thing, Schlumpy, Dumpy…whatever your names are, quit whistling! I haven’t slept well in days and you’re getting on my nerves.

Back to Reality!
Maybe I better leave things as they are…lovingly tucked away in our memories. The good news is, Remifemin® is not a fairy tale! It’s a real answer.
Have any favorite childhood stories to reminisce about? Any Nancy Drew, Little Women or Bobbsey Twin fans out there?

Do I Know You?

2006-05-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

Chances are if you are at this blog, we have a lot in common.

We’re both journeying through this interesting time of life called menopause.

We’re all wondering how we got here so fast and quite can’t believe this is happening to us.

And, yes, we’re looking for sound wisdom and science when it comes to what we should be doing.

That’s why it’s so wonderful to get your feedback on Remifemin®. You blog and you write me your expectations and thoughts.

I want you to know you can email me directly at michele@remifemin.com

I’d love to hear from some of you regular bloggers because your comments would be great to include in the Remifemin website. (New bloggers, too!)

If you’re willing to tell us more about your Remifemin experiences, send me your contact info.

After hearing from so many of you on the blog at the email address, I feel like we are starting to know each other, and that’s truly a blessing.

We can be here for each other and give that extra pat on the back and the “you can do this” and an “it will be ok” words of encouragement.

Did something make you laugh? Cry? Shake your head? Scream?

Let’s Talk! Keep blogging and send me your contact info if you'd like your testimonial to be considered for the website!

You Don't Have to be a Gardner to Appreciate Flowers

2006-04-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

I’m not a gardener. I don’t have the patience for it, (or impatience…isn’t that a flower??) I still get magazines that talk about gardening and enjoy the great pictures. I talk about it with the people I work with who love to garden.
I have a total appreciation for the end result of gardening, but I am not a gardener.

I wish it could be that way with people who will never experience menopause!
You don’t have to be in menopause to take some time to learn about it and have a basic understanding and appreciation for what women go through. That’s the message I think we need to spread to those who are not yet there and those who will never be!

I don’t pretend to understand why for “some people” there is so much pleasure in holding a remote and flipping through channels, (but there must be, they love to do it! I don’t fight it, (unless I’m watching a show), I simply realize that it must be related to the “Y” chromosome. It’s part of something I’ll never experience first hand, or totally relate to, but I can acknowledge what it’s like for the person who performs this daily ritual.

I realize that a remote flipping habit and menopause are not in the same league, but I hope you get my drift! The people in our lives can do their part to understand this incredible journey we are going through. They can take the time to learn more about menopause, what it really is, what can be expected, and how they can be supportive. Encourage the people in your life to learn more at www.remifemin.com, and have them check out the Frequently Asked Questions area.

Maybe the next time you’re watching TV with the people you are close to, you’ll come across an informative program about menopause.
Then, hide the remote!

Do you get support as you journey through menopause from the men and women in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Can I Pick Your Brain?

2006-04-07T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hey Bloggers!
Thanks for all who are coming to the blog and leaving comments...please do me a favor and give a shout out to your friends on the internet and invite them to come and blog too!

Check out past blogs as well as the current one because people continually send new blogs on all of them...not just the latest one.

If you are having blog problems because you can't remember your user name, I've copied in the instructions from the blog to help. Basically you can type in your user name that you have used in the past and you will see the information below.

Check your email
We found your user account, and just sent you an email message with further instructions about how to recover your password.
If the email from this page doesn't seem to arrive, you might check your Spam folder in case the message got mis-routed. Please make sure that your INBOX is not full so that this message does not bounce.
If the email still doesn't arrive within 15 minutes, or if you experience any other problems, please contact Blogger Support.

Now that we have the techno, geek-o speak out of the way...

I'd like to pick your brain!

Tell me:
Do you check your email everyday?
Do you usually go to blogs or is my blog your first blogging experience?
Do you communicate with your friends through email?
Do you use the internet to learn more about menopause?
How can the blog be more helpful to you?
How often do you check this blog?
Do you have a myspace account...do you go on myspace?
Are you taking your Remifemin every day?

Let's keep the conversation going...come and blog!

Me in front of a Small World at Disneyland. Yes, I wore my ears all day.

2006-03-27T08:57:00.000-06:00

I recently went out to California to hang out with one of my best friends and of course we had to go to Disneyland. No, we had no little children with us...Just two menopausal women hanging out with the famous Mouse. Cost of the plane trip, $350.oo. Being a kid again: Priceless.
Tell me how you're "being a kid again" these days...and keep taking your Remifemin!

Walk Softly and Carry a Big Search Engine

2006-03-16T13:52:00.000-06:00

I don’t know about you, but if I stop and think about the internet, I am in awe. It blows my mind. What used to take a trip to the library and hours of research can now be done with a few clicks of the keyboard. We’re able to view unlimited information from around the world. Simply amazing!

The fact that I’m writing this and posting it on a blog where seconds later you could be reading it and responding, is nothing short of astounding! What a time we live in!

With great technology comes great responsibility and caution. We have to be careful not to get carried away with those moments of wonder about this vast interactive tool and be discriminating about the words and ideas on it. There is so much on the internet that is just…well…wrong! Look for the facts behind the stories and the science behind the claims. I can boldly invite you to go to www.remifemin.com and look into the science behind the brand. It’s solid. The most clinically tested brand…over 90 scientific papers.

Remifemin® did the homework.
Now you do yours.

Let’s Talk! Tell me about your experiences, from the funny to the poignant.
Let’s encourage each other. Tell me how you use the internet in your daily life.

Brine Shrimp Lied to Me

2006-03-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

So, tell me, did you get captivated by the ads on the back of comic books when you were growing up? I did. (I know, that explains a lot!) I always wanted to send for the seeds and the X-ray vision glasses, but what really sent my heart soaring were the ads for a little family of monkeys. Now, I know I’m not using their proper name, but since they are still in business, I’ve chosen not to mess with the whole trademark thing…you’ll just have to read between the lines. The ad portrayed these engaging creatures, drawn by an illustrator obviously gifted at embellishment, as a happy family. I think the girl in the family even had a tiara! I thought that if I sent for them they would move in, take up a corner of my bedroom and fill my life filled with one happy family adventure after another. So, I did what I had to do to save up the money to send for the lovely monkey family. I did more chores, ran a lemonade stand, I scrimped and saved until that glorious day when I would mail my money in (stamps not accepted of course.) My payment would prompt someone in… maybe New Jersey… to send me my very own monkey family, complete with the girl who wore a tiara. The days passed slowly until the package arrived. With great anticipation I opened the small packet and followed the instructions to put my new family in water and watch them grow. I already was starting to wonder if you could grow such a large family of pets just from what looked like dust speckles, but who was I to question the magic on the back of a comic book? I watched the water and waited for the transformation. What appeared to be small pieces of lint soon came to life. What?
That’s it? That’s what I worked so hard for and wished for and waited for? Floating lint?

The point of all this is…brine shrimp lied to me. Many ads have probably left you feeling less than satisfied with what you were promised. I think that if you try Remifemin, you’ll find that it does what it promises. Keep coming to the blog and adding your comments. I’ll never lie to you.

Anyone else out there send for monkey families or prizes from the back of comic books?
Let’s chat!

Make 'Em Laugh!

2006-02-17T15:01:00.000-06:00

You start off by pretending
You're a dancer with grace
You wiggle 'till they're
Giggling all over the place
And then you get a great big custard pie in the face
Make 'em laugh
Make 'em laugh
Make 'em laugh
- From Singing in the Rain
Music by Nacio Herb Brown; Lyrics by Arthur Freed

I have two pieces of great advice for you.
1) Start taking and keep taking your Remifemin® everyday.
2) Laugh every day.

No matter what your circumstances are, no matter what the weather is, no matter what the day holds…find a moment to laugh right out loud. Remember the scene from Singing in the Rain when Donald O’Connor is making Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly laugh by dancing and singing? What a great movie. And the scene where Gene is dancing and singing in the rain…priceless.

I love to laugh. That’s what can make menopause so difficult, it can rob you of your ability to lighten up and just enjoy the simple moments of life. That’s a good reason to start Remifemin, and keep taking it consistently.

You grow up the day you have your first real laugh – at yourself.
Ethel Barrymore

What makes you laugh in a day? Share some giggles and grins!
Here’s a chuckle…

I go running when I have to. When the ice cream truck is doing sixty!
-Wendy Liebman

Let’s laugh today. Let’s make someone else laugh and smile. Let’s keep taking our Remifemin!

He's So Dreamy!

2006-02-10T16:41:00.000-06:00

It’s Valentines Day week! Happy Valentines Day. Actually, it’s quite a good holiday…one of my favorites. You’re not expected to cook a turkey or buy a lot of presents or dye eggs. It’s a pretty low maintenance kind of celebration. Some men may not agree as it might be the only time of year they feel the social pressure to buy some flowers or a box of candy, but I like that aspect of it too! A dozen roses always show up at my house and I love that.

In honor of Valentines Day…I’d like to find out who you were madly “in love with” as you were growing up. It could have been a kid in your school, your neighborhood, or someone famous.
I personally had a thing for Davy Jones of the Monkeys and Paul McCartney. I guess it was all about the musicians for me.

Maybe some of these dreamboats will jog your memories:

Greg from the Brady Bunch
Ted from the Love Boat
Ponch from Chips
Elvis
John Travolta in Welcome Back Kotter (or Horshack?)
David Cassidy
Fabian (No not Fabio…Fabian!)
Whoever was on the cover of Teenbeat Magazine
Flip Wilson
Herman of Herman’s Hermits
Batman and/or Robin
Mr. Whipple
Perry Como

Come on…true confession time…Who made your heart flutter???

Here is an original Valentine poem for you:
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Take your Remifemin.
It’s what you should do.

A Discouraging Word

2006-02-06T11:27:00.000-06:00

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day

Traditional Cowboy Song - Author Unknown

Clouds! They have a way of playing with the weather and sometimes our heads! Here in Wisconsin, we recently had 20 days with no sun. It really started to get to people. We weren’t having our usual conversations about the winter weather, we were all complaining about the lack of sun. People were getting discouraged. Gloom was in the air. And then one day it happened. The sun came out again. We smiled more. There was a spring in our step.

Is there anybody out there who lives in Seattle or England who can tell me how you deal with the lack of sun???

The opposite of discouragement is encouragement. Think of what happens to you when someone says…

I like your jewelry…
or, you are really good at that!
or, I hope you can come, it will be more fun if you’re there!

Suddenly, in our mind the sun comes out again. We say an embarrassed thank you and make a mental note that we received a compliment. We feel good.

It’s the same with this time of life. You need to be encouraged that there are answers, that you’ll see improvement and it will be ok.

Make sure to take a moment and encourage someone else today. Decide to fight discouragement with what works best for you. Be good to yourself.

Oh, and of course…
I encourage you to keep taking your Remifemin!

Let’s chat! What encourages you? What discourages you? How do you handle disappointment? (Tell your friends about this blog…the more the merrier!)

Beating the System

2006-01-30T12:18:00.000-06:00

I guess I’m a rebel.

I tend to think there’s a way to beat the system, nothing dishonest of course, but maybe a better way to approach the issue. That’s obviously not working when it comes to exercising. I’ve come to the conclusion that thinking about exercise, buying exercise equipment and watching workout videos is not the same as actually exercising. Darn!

I’ve also realized that there has to be an element of something I like about exercise in order for me to stick with any kind of plan. If you’re someone who lives to exercise and loves it…you probably can’t understand what I am saying. You talk about how good it makes you feel. Well, I’m happy for you, but I can’t relate! If you’re like me you’ve come to one equation where exercise is concerned.

Exercise = Dread
Dread = Procrastination
Procrastination = Cake2

Ahh…that must be the new math you always hear about!

But, I’m not giving up on the idea. I’ve decided to go back to what I really like to do if I have to do something…walking. Now with Wisconsin winters, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Yes, I have a walking machine at home right in front of the TV… but that’s like saying eating a hamburger is the same as your favorite filet mignon. It’s just not the same.

So I’ve headed to the mall on my lunch hour. Other than walking past the movie theatre and catching wafts of popcorn being prepared for the afternoon matinees, I think it may be what I need to do until the weather warms up. I put on a headset tuned to my favorite radio station and try to ignore the static that occurs as I go around various corners. Plus, I see other mall walkers too, and I think misery loves company.

The more I read about the importance of moving as we get older, the more I realize it’s not really about being thin. It’s about keeping everything going on the right track. At this time of life, my body is making it increasingly clear to me that my time of beating the system is pretty much over. Well, at least until the rebel in me thinks I’ve come up with some brilliant scheme!

Join me. Exercise today, take your Remifemin and tell me about your views on exercise!

What Are You Wishing For?

2006-01-23T15:30:00.000-06:00

Blowing out birthday candles…

Falling Stars…

Aladdin’s Lamp…

Life brings us many opportunities to wish. Somewhere along the way we can start to lose our belief in wishes. From Jiminy Cricket’s childhood admonition that “it makes no difference who you are,” to our growing older and dealing with 29 laundry baskets of unmatched socks, we start to get skeptical about this whole wish thing.

We run the gamut from outlandish wishes….

I wish this would all disappear…

to hopeful wishes…

Maybe if I do 10 crunches I will look like the lady on page 38 of the fashion magazine.

Wait. That was another outlandish wish!

Recently a friend and I were listening to a speaker who was challenging us to set goals. She leaned over and whispered to me that her goal was to just survive life.

What? Not sky dive or run marathons or end world hunger?

“Me too!” I echoed. “That’s what I was thinking. I just wish to survive all that life holds right now.”

We both looked at each other as women who had been through a lot of years of yellow traffic lights, burned pot roast, kids with scraped knees, and expanding waist lines. And we both were ok with it.
My wish is to experience this day in the best way possible. If I can realize that wish on a daily basis, I’ll believe that dreams really do come true.

How about you? What are you wishing for? Share your stories with the other women experiencing this time of life by leaving feedback on this blog.

Thank goodness we don’t have to just wish for relief.
We’ve got Remifemin®! If you haven’t already done so, sign up for Michele’s Memos at Remifemin.com. Get a smile and on-going coupons!

Boom!

2006-01-11T11:46:00.000-06:00

Boom!
By no design of our own, we were born around a time that garnered us a label; Baby Boomers.

Hmmm…it’s definitely more complimentary than some of the generational labels. I mean, do you really want be called “X”? It’s actually scary when you start to read about Baby Boomers and how much commonality we really do share.

Born between 1946 and 1964. Check.

We represent 26.75% of the population with 49% of us male and 51% female. Our average household income is $60,000, give or take a few trips to Disneyland or Hawaii.

But past the statistics, we have some amazing firsts in some pretty interesting areas. Take music for example, our kids are listening to the same music we are. Not too many generations can claim that. The Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys used to attract only sobbing teens on the Ed Sullivan show…now a concert is a family event. I recently went with my 20 something daughter to see Carly Simon in Chicago. We both loved and adored every hit from the 70’s to her latest CD of songs.

As boomers, we don’t settle. We blast into every situation. We demand to be seen and heard. Our motto is something like;
There has to be better way and if there’s not, we’ll figure it out!

I think that’s why I like Remifemin® so much…it’s just a better way to travel this interesting path called Menopause. You should check it out…
especially if you’re a boomer!

“Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m sixty-four?”
The Beatles

What are your thoughts on being a boomer?
Been to any good concerts lately?
I’d love to have you add your words to the blog!

Husband Conversations

2006-01-03T09:39:00.000-06:00

Feel free to chat about your day-to-day life in this blog. It’s often hilarious in spite of everything we have to do in a day!

Take this morning’s conversation with my husband for example:

Me: I had a night sweat last night.

He: No wonder with those 59 pounds of clothes you wore to bed.

Me: But I’m freezing at the same time, so I have to wear them.

He: Well, if you’re sweating…don’t wear so many clothes and kick the covers off.

Me: It’s not like when you get hot, it’s a night sweat…it’s different…

He: Of course it’s different, you’re wearing all those clothes so you sweat…

Me: But sometimes, I’m freezing at the same time…

He: How can you be sweating and freezing at the same time?

Me: Because I’m in perimenopause…it’s one of the things you go through…

He: So, if you’re sweating, don’t wear so many clothes…

Me: Let’s make an agreement…I won’t try to understand the 59 pounds of tools down on the workbench, and you don’t have to understand my 59 pounds of clothes and freezing and sweating at the same time…we’ll just agree to support each other…

He: Sounds good to me…I’m just saying…If you’re hot… just kick the covers off.

It was at that moment that I remembered I better be taking my Remifemin® consistently because I think I felt a mood swing coming on.

My poor husband, he may have to put that bumper sticker on his car that says:
Sometimes I wake up grumpy, other days I let her sleep!

Here’s a laugh for you…

Why did the menopausal woman cross the road?
To kill the chicken.
-Jane Condon

I’m kidding of course…..let’s laugh today and keep taking our Remifemin®!

Resolve to Really Live!

2005-12-27T13:07:00.000-06:00

Here we go…time for New Year resolutions. To make them and break them…or not make them at all, that is the question. (Shakespeare is shuddering I’m sure.)

What’s better?

Wait a minute…does a calendar have to be our reason to begin something that will improve our lives? I’m all for enthusiastic new beginnings, but sometimes they provide more feelings than results. Results are much harder to come by than plans.

On the other hand, if we want to change things, it’s good to have a clear beginning, and the New Year does seem an appropriate time.

Sounds wishy-washy huh?

Probably because at this point in my life I’ve seen too many resolutions made with great hurrah that just ended up as useful as crumpled confetti on Jan. 2nd.

All the fine art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.
-Havelock Ellis

So I might be a real radical and just not make any resolutions this year…except that I’m going to really live. I’m not going to be afraid of tough questions, and I’m not going to be afraid to admit I don’t have all the answers. I think I’ll worry less and enjoy more.

Here’s a toast to all you ladies who discovered Remifemin® in the past year! Keep taking it…and tell me how you’re doing!

Send me some thoughts on what the New Year holds for you. I’d love to hear from you!

Hey Girlfriend!

2005-12-19T08:36:00.000-06:00

When you reflect on all the special moments in this season, the presents you may give and receive, the family members you’ll see …(or avoid!) don’t forget the very special gifts we receive from our girlfriends.

Someone who has or will go through many of your same life experiences…
We love the men in our lives, but they will never “get it” when it comes to many of the experiences that happen to women only. One word about a monthly occurrence to a girlfriend and you have instant camaraderie. Been there, done that…hated it too!

Someone to tell you “yes, you can do it” or “it will be ok.”
Hormones are great for helping us lose perspective and look longingly at the ladies in the magazines to measure our self worth…our girlfriends tell us the truth and balance out all those crazy thoughts that shout at us inside our heads.

Someone to laugh with.
Girlfriends love to giggle and talk about those everyday things that drive us crazy. When we talk to our girlfriends we feel heard, understood and accepted. Laughing through some of the more embarrassing moments of a women’s life makes it all bearable. (Did you ever walk around half a day with toilet paper stuck to your shoe thinking people where just happy to see you and that’s why they were smiling so much?)

Someone to cry with.
Girlfriends get it. The melancholy days, the bittersweet moments of family, those moments when you’re not sure you can make it. Girlfriends are a soothing balm to a broken heart.

Someone to celebrate this holiday season with.
This year, you don’t have to buy expensive gifts, mail ornate cards or bake intricate cookies for your girlfriends. Just take a moment to tell them how much they mean to you and how life on the planet just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Feel Free to give a shout out to your favorite girlfriends in the comment section!

While you’re at it…tell them about Remifemin®! Maybe even drop a box in their stocking…and invite them to join Michele’s Memos for on-going support, money-saving coupons and a laugh or two from a “girlfriend”! http://www.remifemin.com/

Yes, Virginia....

2005-12-12T08:40:00.000-06:00

Yes, Virginia, there is a menopause….

In an effort to really understand what women are going through in perimenopause and menopause beyond the literature…beyond the medical…we do research by talking with women from many walks of life.

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings…yes…you hear it all…but the one that jumped out at us that seemed to be affecting almost everyone was not sleeping!

And I in my kerchief and sleeping night cap, had just settled down for a long winters nap.

Women had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up in the middle of the night. Now we all know that after a sleepless night, we simply undo our corsets, spritz the pillows with lavender and take a leisurely midafternoon nap in our canopy bed.

Yah, right..

In the real world, the alarm clock still goes off at six, someone needs something from you before your first sip of coffee, the phone rings, the dogs out of water and you have an unfinished presentation that must be brilliant by 8 am.

To my dismay, there arose such a clatter, I ran to the window to see what was the matter.

You know how long those sleepless nights can be - the clock is ticking too loudly, the rooms not dark enough, it’s too hot or too cold…and you just want to scream; I NEED MY SLEEP!

Here’s some tips I found to be helpful when it comes to sleeplessness. First, invest in a really comfortable mattress and pillow. It’s well worth every penny because sleep is so important. Make sure the room is as dark as it can be and that it’s a good temperature. I also make sure that the comforter on my bed has all the nuances that are important to me. You can’t beat some really comfy PJ’s either!

And, I consistently take my Remifemin®, the ace up my sleeve for my journey into the land of ZZZZZZZ’s.

…And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight….Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Welcome to the very first Michele’s Memos Remifemin® blog!

2005-12-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the very first Michele’s Memos Remifemin® blog!

Because of some feedback from our great Remifemin users, we wanted to keep the conversation going past the Michele’s Memos that you initially receive when you signed up!

This blog is also a great idea because we can chat about our day-to-day lives…which are often hilarious in spite of everything we have to do in a day!

Sing it with me…

On the first day of menopause my good friend said to me…
No, you’re not losing your mind; it’s just part of menopause.

On the second day of menopause my good friend said to me…
It’s not hot in here…it is you…and it’s just part of menopause.

On the third day of menopause my good friend said to me…
Quit goofing up this perfectly good holiday song by singing about menopause.

Ok. Enough singing.
My apologies to Nat King Cole, Perry Como and Andy Williams.

I guess the truth of the matter is that unlike the movies, real life just keeps happening during the holidays. Perfect endings at the end of two hours don’t always occur. So what can we do about it?

First of all stop and decide you don’t have to be the Cruise Director of life and make it a perfect holiday season for everyone this year. There’s nothing “scroogy” about saying “no” when you need to, so that you can have some balance as you celebrate. Baking is great, but so is buying it at the store if that’s what it takes to keep things simple. Get those easy wrapping bags where you simply drop it in and tape it shut, or throw a festive piece of tissue paper around it and put it in a bag.

Bags: 59 cents at the cheap store.
Sanity: Priceless.

And keep taking your Remifemin®. After all, if it’s going to be a wonderful life, you have to do your part to help it along!

Michele's Memos

Happy Holidays From Michele

Womans World Says it Again!

Are you still there?

Time to Comment!

Articles with you in mind

Good In = Good Brain

Twitter Away!

Resolve to be good to Yourself!

Yah, We Get It

It's What They Said!

Knowledge is Power

The Cotton Candy Incident

Where did I put the baby???

George Had if Right

Just Plain Old Good Advice

Don't laugh..This could be you someday!

How To Be Good To Yourself

I'm Feeling the Love

National Whatever Day

It's good to giggle

You Are Here

The Legacy of October

You are amazing!

No Matter

What Every Woman Should Know!

Six Inches of Snow in April, That's Hard to Handle!

Do Your Best, Laugh About the Rest!

Who Is on Page 41 of Woman's World?

Love to see you SMILE!

I'm A Consumer Too!

Have You Ever Been a Waitress?

Are you Thankful for menopause?

Think of Algebra

My Views on Marble Cake

Feel Like Celebrating With Me?

Normal Isn't Just a Town in Illinois

Check out Woman's World Magazine!

I am inspired!

But Wait...there's more good news!

I’ve Got BIG BIG BIG NEWS! (Wanna Snooze???)

The Reality of Remifemin® or I Don’t Think We’re in Kansas Anymore…

Do I Know You?

You Don't Have to be a Gardner to Appreciate Flowers

Can I Pick Your Brain?

Me in front of a Small World at Disneyland. Yes, I wore my ears all day.

Walk Softly and Carry a Big Search Engine

Brine Shrimp Lied to Me

Make 'Em Laugh!

He's So Dreamy!

A Discouraging Word

Beating the System

What Are You Wishing For?

Boom!

Husband Conversations

Resolve to Really Live!

Hey Girlfriend!

Yes, Virginia....

Welcome to the very first Michele’s Memos Remifemin® blog!