AnaUnpaused

 After all the drama with our flights—delays, rebookings, and the kind of frustration that makes you question every life decision—we finally made it to Rome . And let me tell you, the second I set foot there, my whole world shifted into a different dimension. The architecture, the towering trees with their elegant canopies, the sheer history embedded in every stone—it was breathtaking. Suddenly, all the flight-related rage evaporated, replaced by pure awe. The Must-See Spots (With a Little History, Because I’m Fancy Like That) We kicked off our adventure with the Colosseum , the grand amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles, public spectacles, and even mock sea battles. Built between AD 70–80 , it remains one of the most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome. Next up was Palatine Hill , the legendary birthplace of Rome itself. According to myth, this is where Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf, and later, where Rome’s emperors built their lavish palaces. The Trev...

I had one simple mission: go to Italy, eat my weight in pasta, and avoid any unnecessary stress. Ha! Instead, I got an international catastrophe , sprinkled with British Airways incompetence, a missing suitcase, and hormonal chaos that could rival any soap opera. The ETA Debacle: My Brain Betrayed Me Thanks to my sister booking flights through British Airways, I found out that even a layover in the UK requires ETA approval. Fine, fine—I’m a responsible adult, I read all the instructions, checked everything twice, and hit submit. Five minutes later—REJECTED. Cue the stress. Cue the hot flashes. Cue the existential dread. I frantically called British Airways, and they assured me I could redo it. I did—and miraculously, it was approved immediately . Crisis averted! Hormones stabilized! Or so I thought. The Betrayal at Check-In A week before departure, I called British Airways to check for any restrictions on my flight. They said none. Fast-forward to the airport—guess what? There was a ...

The time has come! Tomorrow, my two sisters and I embark on an adventure from Houston to Italy, and let me tell you—my hormones are packing just as much excitement (and chaos) as my suitcase. Hot flashes at the airport? Likely. Mood swings mid-flight? 100%. Asking myself why I packed three sweaters in a moment of delusional optimism? Oh, absolutely. While I’m thrilled for this trip, my heart tugs knowing our youngest sister isn’t joining us. She’s staying behind like the true boss she is, running her amazing meal prep business, Wolf Pack. (Houston folks, check them out on Facebook and Instagram!) And, of course, I’ll miss my own family dearly while I’m gone for two weeks. But I also know this experience is going to be incredible—full of laughter, adventure, and, if my hormones have anything to say about it, a few unexpected emotional rollercoasters. Italy, brace yourself. We're coming in HOT—literally.  

Pinch me! In just a few days, I'll be living my best “Under the Tuscan Sun” fantasy—except instead of finding myself, I’ll probably just find gelato. Lots and lots of gelato. That’s right, folks—I’m headed to Italy !  Before I gush about the Sistine Chapel and carb-loading on fresh pasta, let’s acknowledge the rollercoaster of emotions. I’m so excited, I could cry (which, let’s face it, might just be the menopause talking). But I’m also feeling a twinge of guilt about leaving my family behind. Why do I feel guilty when they’re literally cheering me on? Like, “Go, Ana! You deserve this!” Maybe it’s my hormones messing with me. Maybe it’s that Midwestern mom programming of “but who will feed everyone while I’m gone?!”. Or maybe—it’s the sheer terror of having FUN without them. The audacity!  Massive grazie to my big sister, aka Queen of Generosity, for funding this trip of a lifetime! And a shoutout to one of my younger sisters for coming along to make sure there’s no shortage...

  Ah, menopause—a time of hot flashes, mood swings, and the constant battle between wanting a snack and forgetting what you even walked into the kitchen for. But let me tell you, right now, my mood swings are on their best behavior because I’m counting down the days— nine days, to be exact —until I jet off to Italy with two of my sisters! It’s our first-ever “just us” trip, and I’m equal parts thrilled, nostalgic, and already concerned about how many gelato flavors I can sample before they cut me off. Now, before I continue, let me take a moment to sing the praises of my husband. This man deserves a medal for surviving my menopausal mood swings with grace, patience, and the occasional strategic retreat. He’s been my rock through every teary meltdown, random burst of laughter, and moments of irrational annoyance when the Wi-Fi doesn’t work fast enough. Honey, if I could pack you in my suitcase, I would—but only because you’d probably help me remember where I put my passport. Bac...

  "Attention Italy! Watch out, because this menopausal whirlwind—bringing mood swings, hot flashes, and a whole lot of love—is officially on her way 🇮🇹🔥 . Turning 50 is a huge milestone, but what truly makes it special is celebrating with family. This unforgettable trip almost didn’t happen. In classic 'me' style, I skimmed (okay, ignored) the details and filled out my ETA authorization completely wrong. Chaos ensued as my hormones staged a full-on rebellion, but my superhero husband and eldest sister came to the rescue and fixed it all. I might have been ready to throw in the towel, but they didn’t give up on me—and now I get to laugh at my crazy instead of cry! Special thanks to my incredible eldest sister (aka vacation fairy godmother 💸✨ ) for making this dream adventure possible. I’m beyond thrilled to explore Italy with two of my wonderful sisters. While our youngest sibling can’t join us this time (she’s conquering the world with her thriving business), she’l...

Menopause is a transformative phase of life, but its challenges often feel overwhelming. The physical changes, emotional ups and downs, and societal pressures can make it hard to embrace this transition. However, my journey through menopause taught me resilience and the power of self-discovery. The Physical Changes of Menopause Menopause triggers various physical changes, including hormonal shifts that cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, becomes common due to a slowing metabolism and hormonal fluctuations. Other noticeable changes include thinning hair, dry skin, and decreased bone density. While these changes may seem daunting, understanding them allows us to tackle them with confidence and care. My Battle with Weight Gain Weight gain was one of the hardest battles I faced during menopause. I felt insecure and often turned to drinking to numb the feelings of self-doubt. I tried everything—diet pills, extreme...

  "The Mental Maze of Menopause: Laughter, Loss, and Finding Yourself Again"   The Journey Through the Mind's Fog Menopause is often described as a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and unpredictable moments. Among the many challenges we face during this transition, the mental fog—affectionately called "menopause brain"—can feel like the most bewildering of all. From struggling to remember where you parked the car to forgetting why you walked into the kitchen, memory issues can leave you questioning your sanity. But here's the truth: you're not losing your mind; you're navigating a perfectly normal stage of life. The fluctuating hormones during menopause can have a profound impact on memory, focus, and overall mental clarity. It’s both terrifying and, dare I say, a little funny when you look back on some of the moments it creates. A Laugh at My Own Expense Speaking of funny moments, let me share a quick story that my husband still ...

The Great Smell Mystery: It's Me, Hi, I'm the Problem, It's Me! Have you ever walked into a room and thought, "Why does it smell like wet socks and desperation in here?" Only to have everyone in your family give you the same look—that mix of confusion, mild panic, and just a pinch of exasperation? Hi, I'm Ana, and I have an olfactory superpower. Some might call it a gift, but my husband and family just call me “The Smell Phantom.” It all started innocently enough. One fine morning, I declared, “Why does it smell like burnt popcorn and armpit in this house?” My husband, coffee mug in hand, stared blankly. "Nope. Smells normal to me." This was the beginning of what I now fondly (and frustratingly) refer to as "The Great Smell Mystery." Since then, my nose has led me down a rabbit hole of imaginary smells. Eau de Mystery Mint Chip Ice Cream wafting through the bedroom? Check. A sudden, inexplicable waft of “old boots in a swamp” in the...

My Journeys  Menopause isn’t just a solo journey—it’s one that touches families, friendships, and partnerships. I know this firsthand. While it’s brought me challenges, it’s also shown me the power of having someone by my side. Despite my struggles, my husband chose not to retreat in confusion—he stepped up, educated himself, and became my biggest supporter. This story isn’t just about my experience; it’s about how we navigated this transformative phase together. For Partners: How to Support a Menopausal Loved One Empower Yourself Through Education: Read resources like The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter. Explore online communities such as the Menopause Support Network on Facebook. Listen Without Judgment: Be there. Sometimes we just need someone to validate our feelings without rushing to "fix" things. Offer Gentle Encouragement: Suggest self-care activities like yoga, walks, or even just a quiet cup...

  Menopause—it's one word that carries a whirlwind of emotions, both chaotic and transformational. For so long, the struggles surrounding it were locked away, often leaving women to navigate its challenges alone. It wasn’t until recent years that society has begun to shine a light on this natural yet complex phase of life. My own experience with menopause was a wild journey, but what makes it even more poignant is reflecting on my mom’s experience. She went through menopause at a time when there were no open conversations, no accessible resources, and certainly no Pinterest boards offering guidance or support. Looking back, my mom didn’t even realize what was happening to her. All she knew was that she often felt "off." She struggled with bouts of anger and irritability, mood swings that left us walking on eggshells, and an emotional weight she couldn’t put into words. I now recognize that she was dealing with the mental and physical toll of menopause without a clue a...