The Menace

I've debated for some time whether or not to blog about this. Generally, I like to keep my blog about my running adventures, but there comes a time when I just need to write. In the past couple of years I've encountered a growing problem, a menace in my life. Early on I had difficulty believing that such a menace existed, it was easier to think I made it up in my head. But recent events have shown me that there really is an issue. The hardest part about this menace is that I defended her initially. I stood up for her when others attempted to warn me. Naively, I hoped it would be different for me. I was wrong. 

In an effort for full disclosure, here is the menace in my life:

Sure, she looks cute and innocent in this picture, but don't be fooled. In about 9-10 years from when this is was taken she will reach "that certain age" and nothing will ever be the same again. 

***TMI WARNING***

This blog is devoted to "women's issues". Do not continue if you don't want to know. I'll give you a topic to discuss in the meantime: The peanut is neither a pea nor a nut. And go...

Are they distracted? Good. I'll continue. 

Humans are strange. The response to the hormones of other humans is also strange to me. Yes, yes. I know I have a degree in science, but you're missing the point. The lovely, spunky little girl pictured above ends up hitting puberty. All of a sudden, I have another female in the house and I swear we are synchronizing. Even her just mentioning that her period started awakens my uterus. Thanks for the extra week of cramps, kid. :-| I was curious if menstrual synchronization was a real occurrence among cohabiting females, so naturally I turned to the internet, the source of all knowledge and truth. I learned three things: 

1. I didn't know how to correctly spell "menstruation"
2. I didn't know how to correctly spell "cohabiting"
3. I get bored easily when reading scientific articles (Yes, yes. I know I have a degree in science)

What I know from personal experience is this: two moody females in the same house at the same time is particularly hazardous when said females are mother and daughter. The eye-rolling alone is epic. But how much of it is crazy hormones flinging themselves wildly around the room and how much of it is part of the mother-daughter experience? I think the key in dealing with these changing dynamics is to be aware that the dynamic exists, regardless of scientific internet confirmation. Human interactions and relationships are complex. The way the individual reacts to the flux in hormones, emotions, feelings, moods, external influences, and whatnot is as varied as the individuals themselves. Today I'm learning to embrace the dynamic of our relationship... "Mom, I used to think that you really liked lecturing me"... Tomorrow's a crap shoot. I hope to embrace each day keeping in mind a phrase given to me by the menace herself: "Congratulations on acknowledging your feelings!" She meant it in jest when I told her I was feeling angry (about a situation not involving her), but there's a good reminder there. It's better to acknowledge the feeling exists, than to bury it deep only to explode about it later. Now to just remember that the next time my lovely menace and I are fighting for the role of Queen of Hormonal. :)

***END OF TMI***

That's correct! The peanut is legume! Though the above statement might not be considered entirely true because the pea is also considered a legume! Other examples of legumes include alfalfa, clover, beans, lentils, lupins, mesquite, carob, soybeans, tamarind, and the woody climbing vine wisteria. Like nuts, peanuts are a great post run treat (provided you don't have an allergy). Enjoy! And happy running!