Tuesday, April 12, 2011

J is for Jekyll... and Hyde....or Jugular

In my younger years-not all that long ago, but long enough ago- I was a total Jekyll and Hyde depending on my moods, the situation, the people involved, etc.  It's true.  Mostly, if things were going well, I was Dr. Jekyll.  But, as soon as someone pissed me off I became angry, it was Mrs. Hyde all the way.  My anger button was on a very short fuse and I doubt that anyone could foretell which personality they were going to encounter.  There was no calming of the nerves; no deep breathing; no hesitation.  Just a short path straight to Mrs. Hyde.  In other words, I can throw one out of control conniption fit when angry.  And, as most southerners know, a conniption fit is far worse than a hissy fit.  When someone is having a conniption fit, it's best to leave the area- speedy quick. In a jiff.  Faster than lightning- I think you get the idea.  Mine would start with an increase in heart rate--a noticeable increase in heart rate.  Next, the breathing would become rapid and heavy---like a bull about to charge.  The temper boiled over and then, the tongue lashing of a lifetime would commence- I was jugular bound.  Of course, Hubs was a regular recipient of Mrs. Hyde.  But, before you feel sorry for him, let me assure you that he is quite capable of giving Mr. Hyde a run for his money.  We like to call this FIERY PASSION instead of hot-headed or some other quite unflattering name.

As I have aged, I notice that I have gained more control over Mrs. Hyde.  Ok, in the last few years, I have calmed Mrs. Hyde down considerably for fear of giving myself a heart attack.  Now, it takes a great deal to set her off.  My temper fuse has increased in length so that, if it burns down, someone is very stupidly asking for it.  For the most part, I just don't see the need to 'go-off' unless the situation is going to cause harm to another or if an injustice is being committed...that kind of thing.  I could almost say that, for the most part, Mrs. Hyde has ceased to exist.  A more even tempered, tolerant, smarter, less selfish me has emerged.

At least, until menopause hits.  Crap.

This is the 10th day of the A-Z Blog Challenge for the month of April.  I decided to try this challenge in the hopes of keeping some momentum going; getting my brain to stay warmed-up; and trytrytry to improve my writing--well, really, to find my voice.  Just click the badge on my sidebar to join in the challenge! 

20 comments:

  1. Hello Pam! Thank you for dropping by my blog. I'm glad you think that Ten Good Things on a Monday is fun and I hope you could do a post someday.

    And congratulations on finally shelving Mrs. Hyde!

    Brush Up On Your Reading

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  2. Nina- I'm planning on trying it on Monday!

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  3. I love the way you write!

    I'm with you are the "oh no, not menopause!"

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  4. Cindy- Thank you so much! Yeah, not looking forward to the full out kick in of it at all! Pretty sure Hubs isn't either. LOL

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  5. I think as we age we start and realize that life is too short. We get the patience to gain more control of our emotions. Glad Mrs Hyde is gone for now!

    Susan

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  6. Susan- I agree- on all counts. LOL

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  7. I look back and can't believe how I let my temper rage in my younger days. I've learned to channel all that energy into physical activities that cool my jets and calm me down.

    I believe that God and age has mellowed me over the years. I've experienced many menopause symptoms over the past several years but luckily the mood thing has left me alone and let me be the happy chick I am.

    God bless and have an amazin' day! :o)

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  8. Nezzy- AWESOME! I hope the moods leave me alone too! I'm ever aware of my moods in an effort to thwart any bad ones that menopause may bring.

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  9. Keeping Mrs. Hyde at bay involves the following: prayer, cold water, no caffeine, no sugar, enough exercise, a good dog, and preferably living the life of a hermit (no, I didn't really say that!) :-)

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  10. I too used to take that same persona. Luckily with menopause it's not so much of a problem. Or perhaps I just can't remember when I'm that way. Either way it works for me.

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  11. Judy- ...living the life of a hermit...LOL But true...

    Michele-Oh yeah, the memory issue...good point. LOL

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  12. I was the exact same way as you. The Mrs. Hyde was always rearing her head. But my husband put me in my place one day and said either stop that nastiness or get help otherwise I'm outta here. I learned to bite my tongue. And he stayed and we were happy. Now the age has definitely left me smarter in what battles I choose.

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  13. Conniption fit! haven't heard that since my Mom passed. She always accused me of having them. But, really, I didn't have a short fuse - just a big temper if pushed hard enough!
    Glad menopause can be counted upon to bring back youth!

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  14. Barb- Hubs has never tried to 'put me in my place' because, well, that would be a death wish on his part (LOL) but mostly because he can give just as good as he gets. But yes, age has left me smarter as well. On this issue anyway. LOL

    Stephanie- I have a friend whose conniption fits make mine look like less than hissy fits. LOL Wish it would bring back my body of youth. Ha!

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  15. He, he re conniption fit!
    I've heard of it but never seen it written, though i've seen it in action!
    Funny how age mellows us!

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  16. Oooh well done on getting rid of Mrs Hyde.. I have some friends who definitely have some Jekyl and Hyde moments..!

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  17. Mimi- I've seen them too...and I'm always surprised that some of them are worse than my own. LOL

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  18. Clare- I'm glad I'm mostly in Jekyll mode nowadays. Hyde was exhausting! LOL

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  19. Well, I've been known to combine the hissy along with the conniption. In fact, now that you mention it.......I didn't even know HOW to SPELL conniption 'til now. You've educated me. Ohhhhhhh, I've also been known to throw things along with the conniphissy fits too.

    But, as you say....along with age comes a mellowing out. I've controlled it all with the saying my boss told me years ago when I'd get upset..."Anni? 100 yrs from now it'll make no difference". I've learned to live by those words these days.

    Gosh, I've written a novel here!


    My Wednesday Link, if you'd care to visit is here:
    FOSTER'S TERN
    Have a glorious day! And thanks for dropping by for a visit yesterday and leaving your comments!

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  20. Anni- LOL @ conniphissy! Love it! I come by my fits honestly---I get them from my dad. I have mellowed better than he has though.

    I'm heading over to your site now!!!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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