Tumblertown

Let me tell you that until you’ve experienced menopause first hand you really have no clue how bad it can truly be. It can make you feel like you are slowly losing your mind. It can also make you feel like you could happily club your husband or children with a blunt object. It’s like PMS only times 10 worse. About the only thing that I can recommend as helping with menopause is a sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor now, you better get one fast because you’re going to need it.

Everything I’ve read about menopause has proved to be true, but they sugar coated it. Sometimes I have days when I can’t remember to do simple things like go to the bank or pay the electric bill. Fortunately I did a lot of research before hand, so I knew this was completely normal, but even so it’s pretty scary. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind. How does that joke go…? “Of all the things I think I’ll miss, I think I’ll miss my mind the most.” It’s my understanding that this forgetfulness will pass with time, and I sure as heck hope so.

Another fun thing about menopause is hot flashes and menopause night sweats. Imagine your husband wanting to cuddle in bed while you feel like your hair is on fire. Talk about a romance killer. My husband is trying to be supportive but I think he secretly thinks I’m exaggerating when I tell him how bad things are.

So far I’m trying to maintain my sanity by doing all the right things like diet, exercise, yoga, yada, yada, yada.  Whatever. No one can really prepare you for the roller coaster ride of menopause. Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

There are a number of different types of ladders and stools designed to make reaching objects easier. The step stool is an item that comes in a variety of styles. The basic low design is good for children to use so they can access high shelves with safety. This design has a sturdy base with short legs and can be made of metal or molded plastic. The folding step stool has more of a ladder style and usually comes with a few steps as opposed to the basic low model, which has only one step.

Many people use the folding type in the kitchen. This allows them to reach objects placed on high shelves without straining. Because the unit can fold, it is also easy to store out of the way when it is not in use. It is also frequently used in garage areas, where there might be items hung up high or overhead that cannot be easily reached on foot. You will find these  available in lightweight aluminum, durable plastic, or foldable wood stool styles. They generally have three to five steps and come with rubber ends on the bottom of each ladder’s foot for added sturdiness.

Rubbermaid makes a small version of this item that comes with only two steps and is made of durable molded plastic. The rubber feet give the unit a non-skid stability that is good for small children to use for washing at a sink. The taller units are also often used for household painting jobs. Some of these come with a top shelf piece where you can easily place a can of paint. Although it is very similar to a small ladder, it is not the same in height as a small ladder. You will find the various step stools available at most major department stores.