Thursday, December 8, 2011 by Michelle
Over the past year, I’ve been mildly afflicted by an occasional slight fever. Oddly, it’s usually near the end of my menstrual cycle, then it just clears up. It’s very strange, now that I think of it, that I always seem to be on my way to being sick without actually arriving.
I suddenly realized the other day, “as a woman of a certain age”, that I may be having mild hot flashes. Because they’re dressed as a pleasant warmth to my face, it honestly didn’t occur to me it was anything but an occasional mild bug. I guess I was thinking perimenopause would be flashier and more dramatic. The “Oh, Someone Open a Window NOW!” kind of intensity, with lots of sweat and a complete disregard for the chattering teeth of those around me.
Then, for the first time since the age of 11, I skipped a period. Sailed right over it. It didn’t even say “whoosh” when it went sweeping by; it just didn’t show up. I still had my usual back discomfort (twice this cycle) and other mild symptoms, but nothing happened. (I just hope it doesn’t overcompensate because I’m really liking this!)
Oh, and I’ve noticed over the past year or so that I’m craving creative outlets; I’m knitting again, am quilting more, and am taking a sewing class so I can make myself a dress. These aren’t odd for me as I've always been a crafty woman, but it is interesting that there a sense of a little urgency to it for me now.
If this is perimenopause, I’m very happy with it!
Posted in Aging, Health, Women
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 by Michelle
On December 6th, 1989 at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec Canada, 14 women were killed and 10 more people injured by a man who claimed he was fighting feminism. He then shot himself. He left behind a suicide note that blamed feminists for ruining his life. The note included a list of nineteen Quebec women whom he considered to be feminists and apparently wished to kill.
I remember walking down the halls in a fog at Simon Fraser University as an undergraduate when I heard the news, scared of male classmates and what they may conceal in their hearts and backpacks. And I remember the sorrow I felt for these women and their families, friends and classmates.
Let’s remember these sisters today as we continue to work for a better world for women, one where we can all live, work and study in an environment of respect and safety
(first paragraph of was mostly pinched from a well-written communique from BC Society of Transition Houses)
Posted in Women
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 by Michelle
Enjoying being a bit different, Atira (where I work) chose to honour 25 women at its 25th anniversary celebration (on October 25th, cost was $25). Atira was celebrating 25 years of supporting, encouraging and believing in women! We have been proudly serving, embracing and loving this community for 25 years and showed our gratitude to the women who have made our work possible. An appeal was made to nominate any woman who has touched your heart, mind, spirit or soul... any woman who has made you laugh, taught you something or supported your tears... any woman who has loved, lost or learned... any woman at all. Check out who they are and what was said about them. It was a magical night and I felt honoured to be part of such a creative and amazing group of women.
Posted in Atira, celebration, feminism, feminist, Women