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Power Surge Live -- Guest: Leigh Anne Jasheway

 


Dearest:   I'd like to introduce my guest tonight :0
In her latest book, "I'm Not Getting Older (I'm Getting Better At Denial), 
my guest...LEIGH ANNE JASHEWAY .. .says...."At your age, you may 
experience night SWEETS - the irresistible urge to take Ben and Jerry to 
bed with you"  <g>

Leigh Anne is a humor writer, speaker and stand-up comic and stress 
management expert.  She has authored seven very funny books dealing 
with a myriad of issues from driving to rules for dogs and cats.. plus 
"Give Me A Break: For Women Who Have Too Much To Do and 
"Don't Get Mad, Get Funny: A Light Hearted Approach To Stress Management" 
<what I'm feeling right now>  

Leigh Anne believes that "too little humor can lead to death, or 
at least severe constipation". <g>

In your profile, Leigh Anne, it says you live with your two giant "wiener 
dogs and your "Much younger husband." Does that mean he's younger than the 
dogs or you? <ducking>.

And welcome to Power Surge :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Both!  If you count in dog years.  Which I do.


Dearest:   Ha!  Does that mean there's a book in your future about much 
younger husbands?  :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   When you have a much younger husband...There's not 
much time for books...


Dearest:   Hahaha!  Touche'!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I'm too busy swapping stories with my mother-in-
law.  She's my age...


Dearest:   Really?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Only kidding.


Dearest:   LOL  Whew!  Talk about night sweets :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   And night sweats.


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, what made you write this last book? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Well, they say write what you know...And I know 
aging, although I'll deny I said so.


Dearest:   What a great title and so true :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yeah, it doesn't matter how empowered you are.


Dearest:   I realize it's humor, but don't you think there's a great deal 
of truth to it? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   We don't want to admit to being "middle aged.  We 
don't want to be in the middle (although there is that fantasy...)  
Absolutely there is truth.  Humor is about truth.


Dearest:   I always say in Power Surge that the minute we lose our sense 
of humor about life and especially menopause and aging...everything 
becomes unmanageable.  Agree?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Absolutely.  As Jimmy Buffet said (I think he was 
perimenopausal...)


Dearest:   Ha!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   "If we didn't laugh, we'd all go insane."  I'm glad 
for the break... I just did 400 kegel exercises.


Dearest:   LOL!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I have vaginal walls of steel!


Dearest:   Hahaha...


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Comedy is vital to health.


Dearest:   Sally, go ahead.


Sally1019:   How can we use humor to control mild depression? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Humor is one of the best ways to deal with moderate 
stressors which often build up and cause us to be mildly depressed.  The 
best step to take is to find a funny friend who helps you laugh and see a 
different perspective on the things that make you stressed and depressed.  
Avoid life-o-suctors... people who suck the life out of you!


Sally1019:   thank you


Dearest:   I agree.. what I call toxic people :(


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yeah, people who cause hot flashes even before 
you're hormonal!


Dearest:   Mary, thanks.. go ahead.


PianoMary:   Sometimes it's hard to find the humor in these middle age 
issues.  Do you have any special tips - like Humor Helper?  :)  


Dearest:   Is that anything like Tuna Helper? <g>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Humor Helper, that's great!  LOL


PianoMary:   could be :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yep, I do.  First, get a Sharpei she'll make your 
crows' feet look really insignificant.  Then, remember that overactive 
bladder syndrome means at least part of your body is getting a workout!  
The idea is to try to find the funny in any and everything  There's a 
funny and a serious side to everything.  It's your choice.


PianoMary:   I try :)  Thanks 


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, I love that line in your book about losing depth, 
not weight.. can you share it?  


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yeah.  We've all tried losing weight and it's too 
hard.  Let's try losing depth instead.  If you can't be thin, at least you 
can be shallow!  Hey, it works in Hollywood.


Dearest:   Hahahaha!  How about those in-store beauty makeovers? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Bad idea.  Who needs a woman in a white jacket 
telling you how awful your skin looks?  Hey, if she knew anything she'd 
have a real job.  If you want criticism, call your mother  At least she 
doesn't criticize you over the store intercom!  Well, only occasionally...


Dearest:   Some don't need an intercom with the volume of their voices 
<g>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Sorry, memory loss.


Dearest:   What's the difference between female and male menopause, Leigh 
Anne?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I only took 47 Gingko today.  I think.


Dearest:   Hahaha.. only one more than me :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Male menopause is when a man pauses for a second to 
think that maybe that 20-year old Hooters waitress isn't really interested 
in him for his personality.  It only lasts about a second.


Dearest:   Sculpt, go ahead.


Sculptsc:   How do you clear the brain "fog"? >G<  besides ginko


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Actually, believe it or not, laughter is excellent  
It stimulates a part of the brain that doesn't get used enough It also 
stimulates other things, but I'm not saying what.


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, doesn't laughter elevate our serotonin levels?  I 
almost typed Saratoga.


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yep.  It also tones our muscles, improves our 
immune system decreases our chances of heart disease (a real problem post 
menopause) and confuses our spouses!


Dearest:   The best part is the last one :)  <not that they need our 
help>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Assuming your spouse isn't already confused!  
Younger men don't get perimenopause.


Dearest:   Oh, no?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I told my husband it's the time between PMS and 
menopause.  Or "Give Me a Break!"  Or at least a chocolate bar the size of 
Florida.


Dearest:   Hahaha!  Do you still perform stand-up comedy?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Laugher also reduces depression as effectively as 
exercise I don't know about you out there, but I often get SAD  Snippy 
attitude disorder.  I had to slap my therapist the other day.


Sculptsc:   lol


PianoMary:   ROFLPIMP :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yes and I teach others.  Lots of midlife women Who 
want to regain control over their lives by handling a microphone.  I'm 
sure Freud would love that!


Dearest:   Hahaha!  Thanks, Leigh Anne :)  Mccutan, go ahead, please.


Mccutan:   I have found the serious side to having no sex drive at the age 
of 32 now please share the funny part.  (I’ve had the hyst)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Have you tried sex in exotic locations?  Like the 
other side of the bed!


Dearest:   Hahahaha


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Or ask your doctor about Viagra...Just beware of 
the possible side effects like thinking with ... well, you know.  
Actually, you'll be happy to know that many women say their sex lives 
improve after menopause.  Of course that could be the memory loss They 
walk into their neighbor's houses...


Dearest:   Maybe some thinking will lubricate the vaginal dryness 
<g> LOL. .thanks, Leigh Anne :)  Mary, go ahead.


PianoMary:   I can see us all locked up in the Power Surge Home for 
Loonies if we laugh too much :)   Not a pretty sight!  LOL 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   That's the image that society has created for us.  
If we have a healthy sense of humor about aging, we must be nuts.  I say 
it's nuts to sit around constipated and whiny all day!  When I grow older, 
I'm going to wear a purple g-string.  I don't care if I am in the loony 
bin!


Dearest:   Lora, go ahead.


LORACURA:   Any ideas for what to do with our left-over supplies when our 
periods are gone for good? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Here's a tip on using maxipads to make Xmas angels


LORACURA:   ok..


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Just slap two, sticky sides together and draw on a 
nice smiley face


Dearest:   Hahahaha!


LORACURA:   ROFLOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   And tampons make great ornaments, what with the 
strings already attached!


Dearest:   Hahahaha


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Or dip them for Easter...


Dearest:   As Lora would say, {S Ewwwww


LORACURA:   and for Halloween?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I have a friend who tried loading a tampon into a 
shotgun!


Dearest:   Hahahaha!!!!!!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Hey, it's trick or treat, isn't it?


Dearest:   Then, there's always Prince Charles <g>


LORACURA:   here's a news flash, don't come trick or treating at my house 
this year.


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Now it's my turn to say Ewwww!


Dearest:   Ha!  Donna, go ahead.


MELADONNA:   I laugh at myself but have a had time finding someone to 
laugh with , sigh..my husband shys away from me when I dance down the 
market aisles :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   It is imperative that you find a funny friend NOW.  
Someone who is willing to tattoo nipples where hers used to be You don't 
want to be alone when your hormones rage.


MELADONNA:   I’ll keeping lookin'. thanks :) 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I'm considering joining Hell's Angels!


Dearest:   LOL!  Some support group :)


MELADONNA:   good idea....here I come Hell's Angels.


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I wasn't cut out for quilting.


Sculptsc:   Can't you see us all in black leather.


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   It's hot, but sexy!  Especially with a purple 
VELVET g-string under...


Dearest:   Maybe thin layers of leather :)  Hahaha!  Let me ask everyone 
this... have you found yourself in a situation like where you walk into a 
room and forget why you went in there?  Yes or no?


MELADONNA:   no
PianoMary:   yes


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   That's my actual workout program.


LORACURA:   YES
THRV Cinda:   yes
Sally1019:   yes I admit it
THRV Sue:   yes
Sculptsc:   YES!!!


Dearest:   Hahah, Leigh Anne


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Go to a room, go back to where you came from  Go to 
another room...


Mccutan:   YES
PianoMary:   I don't even know why I'm here <ducking>


Dearest:   Exactly :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I don't even know who I am


LORACURA:   where am I?
MELADONNA:   welllllll, on occasion
Sculptsc:   What room?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Who are you people anyway?


Dearest:   LOL, Sculpt


PianoMary:   lol


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   LOL!


Dearest:   How about this ......have you ever picked up a pen and by the 
time you got the point out, you forgot what you wanted to write down?


LORACURA:   yep, did that today
Sally1019:   don't you just hate when that happens
Mccutan:   YEP
MELADONNA:   did what <g>
PianoMary:   sure thing   'cept I usually forget where I left the pen


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I love it when my doc asks me "what day of your 
cycle are you in?"


Sculptsc:   ditto Mary 
MELADONNA:   I got your pen Mary
Sally1019:   LOL
PianoMary:   well, give it back!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I can't remember my name, how am I supposed to 
remember that!


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, some suggestions for hot flashes?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yams.  With marshmallows.  So what if you wake up 
covered in ants.


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, what about those who are always referring to 
"someone your age?" 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I always say something like "I'm awfully orgasmic 
for someone my age." Usually shuts 'em up!


Dearest:   LOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Then there's the sales clerks who say things like 
"We have a body shaper than can fix any flaw."  I always ask where I can 
find the one to fix the fact that she's a moron.


Dearest:   Hahahahaha


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   One of the problems midlife women have is letting 
themselves become invisible.  This happens a lot in department stores.  
But not to me.  Once you fake an orgasm in the middle of cosmetics, they 
pay attention!


Dearest:   LOL!  Leigh Anne, you know you're in middle-age denial if ...?  Fill in the blank :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   You think you look 20-something from the back.  In 
the fog.
At night.  You smear your mirror with vaseline for that soft, out of focus 
look.


MELADONNA:   did that


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   How'd it work for you Donna?


MELADONNA:   hmmmmmmmm, well bery bery well


Dearest:   LA, what about the Goddess voice and the Barbie voice?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   The Goddess voice says "We should worship women 
with large thighs.  The Barbie Voice says "400 more sit-ups and you'll 
look like Jane Fonda.  Or at least her pudgy cousin Wanda Fonda."


Sculptsc:   Yea Goddess


Dearest:   LOL! And how many goddesses do we have here?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   My idea of plastic surgery -- ridding the world of 
Barbie, one plastic woman at a time.


TinLizzy25:   AMEN
Sculptsc:   LOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I'm a goddess in training.


Mccutan:   <-----------goddess here


Dearest:   Mary, go ahead.


PianoMary:   OOPS - I was going to ask about using the tampax for 
ornaments, but you mentioned that...What about a giant bonfire for extra 
supplies!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Sounds good to me.  Don't stand too close if you're 
hot-flashing Or maybe you can just light the fire yourself...


PianoMary:   Sounds like a plan :) 


Dearest:   LA, what about the "trying on swimsuits" syndrome :(


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Well, they keep trying to convince us there are 
suits that can hold in 20-30 pounds of us.


Dearest:   Yeah, right :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Well, there's a law of physics that says for every 
action there is an equal and opposite reaction.


TZdoe:   the Kathy comic strip
MELADONNA:   <~~~~~~~~~~~fonda wonda ( !  ) here


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   So if 20 pounds of hips are missing, check under 
your armpits!


Dearest:   LA, what are your thoughts on so many women having cosmetic 
surgery these days? 


Sculptsc:   lol the mental picture


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   It's risky.  What if you get a lousy doc and end up 
with a recycling code stamped on your forehead?


Dearest:   Hahahaha!!!!!!!!


PianoMary:   LOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   And I'd never get fat from my thighs injected into 
my lips  I'd always wonder if my shoes made my lips look fat!


Dearest:   And, LA, will our sex lives be better after menopause? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   For many women yes.  Although our willingness to 
tolerate morons will decrease in and out of bed or the washing machine or 
whatever.


Dearest:   Sea, go ahead :)


O SEAPEARL:   What did you mean about women being invisible?  Do you mean 
we are shy in menopause? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Society tends to focus on young, beautiful thin 
women  Ever have trouble getting a clerk's attention in a store?  So don't 
dress like a granny.  Wear a bright orange vest.  Stand out in a crowd.  
In your own way, of course.  You don't have to hula hoop at the grocery 
store  But you can if you want.


Dearest:   TinLizzy, go ahead.. remember this is a "humor" chat about 
getting older <and denial> :)


TinLizzy25:   Now you tell me -- I had a serious question.  Sorry


Dearest:   Oh, go for it. One won't hurt <g>


TinLizzy25:   Nay -- I wouldn't want to spoil the levity of the chat.


Dearest:   It's fun to occasionally take time out for a good humor chat  
That's okay, Tin. Go ahead. We can get the mood back.


TinLizzy25:   Yea -- like menopause is anything to laugh at.  LOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Or so we say...


Dearest:   We can be serious for 5 minutes, right Leigh Anne? <g>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Sure.  I'll just bite my tongue.


Dearest:   That's the whole point, Lizzy.. you have to laugh at it.


TinLizzy25:   What's your opinion of herbs for treatment of hot flash, etc 
symptoms?


Dearest:   You want to get that, Leigh Anne? <seriously>  Or I can take it if you like.



Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Go for it.  Although I do take Reminfemin and it 
works for lots of my symptoms.


Dearest:   Lizzy, there are numerous herbs that are very helpful for 
treating hot flashes and many menopausal symptoms.  If you email me, 
Lizzy, I'll send you some information.


TinLizzy25:   Then why aren't any of them working for me?


Dearest:   Email me and we can discuss it, Ok?


TinLizzy25:   Is your e-mail address just Dearest??


Dearest:   Yes


TinLizzy25:   THANKS!  I'll do just that! 


Dearest:   Sure thing :)   Questions?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Here's the humor response:  Herbs are good for 
menopausal symptoms as long as they put the toilet seat down  Sorry, 
couldn't help it.


LORACURA:   ROFLOL
Dearest:   Hahahahaha
TinLizzy25:   ROFL 


Dearest:   Like our famous menopausal guy, Don Quai <g>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yeah, Don Quixote on Viagra.


Dearest:   Hahahaha~!


Dearest:   Mary, your turn :)


PianoMary:   <~~Queen of DeNile :) Where, exactly, can you get these 
purple velvet g-strings...and do you think they also come in hot pink?  


Dearest:   Hahahaha!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I'm thinking of making 'em myself.  Hot pink is a 
fab idea.  Maybe feathers, too?


PianoMary:   Will you do mail (male??) order? 


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Oh, why not?  It's a dirty job, but someone's gotta 
do it!


PianoMary:   Great, Thanks :)


TZdoe:   lol


Dearest:   LA, I love your line about how the advantages of varicose veins 
<g>


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yep.  Use 'em to chart your cross country trip.


Dearest:   LOL


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   While hanging on the back of that Harley  And 
telling the Hell's Angels to get you a beer!


PianoMary:   lol


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Personally, I like my idea for dealing with droopy 
breast...Comb-overs?


Dearest:   I'm sure Leigh Anne has her down moments, too. How does she 
pull her self out of those?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Down moments?  Yep, I have those.


TinLizzy25:   Yeah -- you tuck them inside your belt!!!  No need for a bra 
after 45.


Dearest:   LOL, Lizzy


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   But there's a rule in comedy that bad moments make 
good comedy.  So you always say "What's funny here?"  Or "What will be 
funny about this later?


Dearest:   In other words, find something funny about everything, yes?  
<within reason, of course>


MELADONNA:   ®¿® Look at me I am purrrrrrrfect ;o)..personally I use a red 
g-string... helps my vision


Dearest:   Hahaha, Donna


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yes.  And if you do it quietly and personally, 
there is no within reason needed.  LOL Donna


MELADONNA:   :)


Dearest:   Sally, go ahead.


Sally1019:   Leigh Ann, do you have a web site?  


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Yep.  www.accidentalcomic.com


PianoMary:   cute name :)


Dearest:   Email that to me, Leigh Anne, so I can add it to your profile 
and transcript of this chat.


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Thanks.  I accidentally became a comic when I found 
out that secretary of interior was taken.


PianoMary:   lol


Dearest:   Hahahaha   Sculpt, go ahead, please.


Sculptsc:   Any ideas for things to do when awake in the middle of the 
night?>G<


Dearest:   Great question :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Why not sew up some g-strings  I'm gonna need a 
seamstress.


PianoMary:   Am I first in line for one?


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I'm so busy going to the bathroom in the middle of 
the night  I don't need other things to do  I have overactive bladder 
syndrome.  Which is good because at least my bladder gets exercise.


MELADONNA:   put raisins in your belly button (couldn't help myself 
<g>


Dearest:   Hahaha!


Sculptsc:   Wrong person give me some clay but I can't even thread a 
machine


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   donna lol  Clay g-strings?  Now there's a concept!


Dearest:   Lora, go ahead, please :)


LORACURA:   when our periods are gone..we could wear that eatable 
underwear.  What do you think of them?


PianoMary:   EEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Hate the broccoli flavor.


Dearest:   Lora!!!!!!!!!  They have it in broccoli flavor?


LORACURA:   ROFLOLWPIMP


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Why, you low on your veggies today?


MELADONNA:   why wear anything? <g> save on underwear


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, any new books in the making? <or writing> :)


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Oh, there's always something.  I'm thinking about a 
babyboomer's dictionary.  Also working on a script about a woman who's 
midlife crisis includes being regressed into a former life where she was 
Amelia Earhart.  Now that's a crisis!


Dearest:   Hahahaha!


Dearest:   Leigh Anne, thanks SO much for such a fun chat in Power Surge 
tonight....


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   Thanks.  I had a great time.


Sally1019:   Just a comment...you were right about humor making you feel 
better; I was depressed when I 
Sally1019:   came to chat but feel much better now.  Thanks!
Sculptsc:   Great laughs!! Thanks
Leigh Anne Jasheway:   It's nice to share humor with other women
LORACURA:   {S applause
PianoMary:   {{{Sally}}}
THRV Sue:   {s applause


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I don't know the right icons for me bowing and 
blushing


LORACURA:   we certainly need to laugh at this time of our lives


Dearest:   Anyone interested in reading Leigh Anne Jasheway's hilarious 
books, espcially her newest, 
"I'm Not Getting Older: I'm Getting Better At 
Denial" 
can find it on the transcript of this chat on the Web site or at 
amazon.com.  Leigh Anne's website, with several of her columns, is 
http://www.coffeerooms.com/.  

Thanks, especially for your patience with this technically 
challenged person tonight. LOL

Come join us again very soon, Leigh Anne :) You're a hoot!


Leigh Anne Jasheway:   I will!  Thanks everyone!  Just remember -- don't 
get mad, get funny!
Night everyone.  My much younger spouse just got 
home...



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Dearest
aka Alice Stamm
Power Surge
Founder, Facilitator, Host


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