Incoherent Scribblings

Nerd Quiz

I am trying to decide if I am flattered or embarrassed!

Being a Girl

** Attention! The following post contains discussion of girly things like tampons and menstruation. Proceed at your own risk! **

There are some things that you can never have too many of. Things that whenever you see them on sale at Wal-Mart you buy because they don’t go bad and you just know that eventually you will use all of them. Tampons are one of those things.

Long before I knew I would be moving to Germany, whenever I was in Wal-Mart or Target and saw a good deal on tampons I bought them. I did this because, as I said, tampons are just one of those products you may as well buy in bulk. After all, it will be many years before I reach menopause, so I know that eventually I will use them.

So, when we moved to Germany I packed up all of those tampons and shipped them over here. Sure I could buy tampons in Germany (at least I figured I could), but why not take them? It seemed silly to just throw them away. In the grand scheme of moving they didn’t take up all that much room, even though A. teased me about how many I had. I didn’t think I had that many, but since I didn’t even so much as glance at the tampon aisle for a long time, apparently he wasn’t far off the mark when A. claimed I was bringing a two year supply.

I had varying amounts of all the absorptions that I use, but eventually I began to run low. My brand had always been Tampax because I could just flush everything away, but when I went to the local dm no Tampax were to be found. The only brand available was o.b. or generic tampons. I suppose there really is no difference, but for some reason I just can not bring myself to use generic tampons, so o.b. was really my only option.

Now, ladies, you know what o.b. tampons are famous for, don’t you? If not, let me remind you with two simple words… no applicator!

I was disgusted! I was appalled! I was frantic, because no matter where I went the selection was the same: o.b. or generic o.b.! I was in applicator-less tampon hell! I couldn’t understand why the tampon supposedly designed by a female gynecologist would purposely make me stick my finger up my crotch when I least wanted to! All I could say was YUCK! YUCK! Double YUCK!

Eventually, I found a place that offered “super” and “normal” o.b. with an applicator, but of course they were more expensive. However, since my period is very light I never use “super” and rarely “normal” absorption tampons and nowhere could I find “light” or “mini” with an applicator. Suddenly I was wishing that I had brought more than I measly two year supply of tampons with me.

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I realized what the alternative to applicator-less tampons was; a diaper pad! I couldn’t make up my mind as to which I found more vulgar.

Finally, my supply of Tampax dwindled, and even though I still found the thought disgusting, I eventually got over the “sticking my finger up my bloody crotch” thing. After all, I should be washing my hands after I use the bathroom anyway, so is it really such a big deal?

(Secretly I am screaming “YES!”, but then again what choice do I really have?)

Lounging Around

Let me start off this post by saying I don’t sew very often. My mother is a fantastic seamstress and even though she taught me the basics when I was a kid, sewing was something that I just never really developed a taste for. However, since I have become a domestic goddess, things that I would never have thought about doing in the past suddenly seem appealing, and sewing is one of those things. Back in August, we went to visit my in-laws and when I told my MIL that I was interested in sewing but didn’t have a sewing machine, she went out and bought me one.

When I got my new machine I spent about a month making pillows, learning a little bit about quilting, and planning on sewing myself all sorts of new clothes. I started off with a pair of “lounge pants,” mostly because I can always use comfy pants to wear around the house and because I already had a pattern for them. After some initial difficulties, they turned out fine.

After I did my first pair of lounge pants, I went and looked at clothing patterns but didn’t really find anything that peaked my interest that was at my ability level (complete novice). My initial sewing enthusiasm had begun to wane, although I did keep my eyes open for patterns and fabric in case it came back.

One day a couple of months ago, I was browsing through the “rest” material and found some fabric that I liked and that was just enough for another pair of “lounge pants.” It was cheap, so I bought it and when I got home I just stuck it in my fabric stash. I didn’t really forget about it, I just hadn’t had any ambition to sew it up into another pair of pants. However, while I had my sewing machine out the other day, I decided that I should finally make myself that second pair of “lounge pants.”

I made the second pair from the same pattern as the first and did everything by the pattern, except that I added a pocket. I did this because a pocket for my keys is one thing that I wish the first pair of pants had. I wasn’t exactly sure how to make an inside pocket from scratch, so I decided a back pocket would work just fine. I simply cut a square from my left over fabric, hemmed it, and sewed in on the back. I’ll admit it looks a little goofy, but these are just pants to wear around the house, so, hey! What do I care?

Don’t you just love the LOUD fabric I chose for both pair?!

“Siamese Kitty” Tote Bag

Today I decided to get out the sewing machine and finish “Siamese Kitty.” Back before Christmas I bought some blue fabric that matched the color of “Siamese Kitty’s” flowers and originally I had planned on making a pillow. However, when I thought about it, I wasn’t 100% sure I wanted to do a pillow after all. Pillows are always a fun way to finish cross stitch, but thanks to my three indoor cats, I try not to have too many decorative things out in my house because they just collect cat hair.

Then I remembered that I had also kicked around the idea of making a tote bag out of “Siamese Kitty.” I decided that if I had everything I needed that I would go that route. This way, instead of a pillow sitting around on the couch collecting cat hair, I would have something I could actually get some use out of.

A quick check confirmed that except for blue thread, I had everything to make the tote bag. Though blue thread would have been nice because it would have been invisible, I decided white thread would work OK too. After I printed out some instructions that I had found online for a simple tote bag I was ready to go. First, I measured out how big I wanted my bag and then before I actually put the bag together, I sewed “Siamese Kitty” on what would end up as the front side. The bag itself sewed together swiftly, but the handles took a little while.

I didn’t line it or anything, but I think it is strong enough to carry books or those small purchases that I get at the drugstore. Now, if I can just remember to take it with me when I go shopping…

Happy Blogday!

It was one year ago today that I sat down at my computer and typed http://blogger.com into my browser window for the first time. I wasn’t sure if I would like the whole blogging thing, but figured I might as well give it a try. It is true that my blog has moved homes a couple of times since then and it took me a couple of months to find my voice, but I am still here and though I go through a dry patch now and then, I enjoy blogging more than ever!

Due to my hard drive crash, I wasn’t able to highlight my favorite posts throughout the week as I promised. However, today I am making up for it by giving you the whole list. So, without further ado, I present to you… (drumroll, please)

“Culture Shock and the blondelibrarian:” One Year On

A Wine Drinker in Beer Country
It is hard living in a country where beer is the national beverage when you don’t like it. Here I explain why. (originally posted 27.03.04)

A Bra Story
Like most women, all of my adult life I have dreaded bra shopping. After many weeks of casual browsing, my first bra shopping experience in Germany didn’t turn out nearly as bad as I feared. (originally posted 20.04.04)

A Keyboard Story
The hard drive crash wasn’t the first adventure I’ve had with my laptop. When we bought it June I faced a major dilemma: An International US (is that an oxymoron?) keyboard or a German one? Find out which one I chose here. (originally posted 28.06.04)

A Melon Story
Memories of the time I received a 30 pound watermelon as a gift from my “Little Chinese Guy.” (originally posted 05.08.04)

Die Deutsche “Recht”schreibung
One word or two? A scharfes “S” or not? Just when I thought I had learned enough German to get by, I find out some reputable German publishers want to abandon the spelling reform! (originally posted 08.08.04)

Flying Kitties
Thinking about moving abroad and bringing your pets? After you read about the most stressful time in my life, perhaps you will think twice. (originally posted 10.08.04)

Lily White vs. Golden Brown
In which I attempt to come to terms with my naturally fair skin while also making a case for the tanning bed. (originally posted 10.09.04)

Confessions of a Coke Addict
Hello, my name is Renée and I am addicted to coke. It may or may not be what you think… (originally posted 15.09.04)

Pork Chops and Side Burns
One word, two plural endings. Getting them mixed up at the butcher can sure get some odd looks thrown your way! (originally posted 27.10.04)

The Panty Thief
In which I retell three bizarre instances that resulted in the same thing: missing underwear! (originally posted 21.12.04)

Thanks to all of my loyal readers this past year… I hope you stick around for the second installment!