Lilac Colored Glasses

Wordless Wednesday

Class was very difficult today, reminding me of all the grammar related elements of Dutch that I obviously haven’t retained very well since April and level 3. I got to follow that up with yet another trip back to the periodontal clinic at UZ wherein the dentist (yay for real dentists, not students) drilled out both the temporary filling from the 3 step root canal as well as the filling from December which had come loose and was most likely the reason I needed the root canal in the first place. Then she put two brand new permanent fillings in which is good, but keep in mind that the both the original cavity and the resulting root canal (wortel kanaal, or ontzenuwing in Dutch…hell of a way to learn vocabulary eh?) are in the upper, backmost molar and that means that my cheek had to be severely stretched just to reach it. Also, the cavity is up high along the gumline, so part of the filling had to be pushed up and smoothed right under my gums. So it hurt then and it hurts even more now. I had to make a final appointment for a cleaning on Friday because the dentist saw some calculus buildup today (I have a small mouth and I often end up not brushing my back teeth very well because it’s hard to fit a toothbrush that far back in my mouth without accompanying dental equipment so calculus buildup and some gingivitis are not strangers to my mouth).

So, that said, I’m off to get some much needed cuddling and TLC from my Cabana Boy. But, I’d like to leave you with a smile on your faces so I’ll share this with you (compliments of my Aunt K.)

The Dog’s Diary

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat’s Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are
fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for
the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in
order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their
feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it
clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made
condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.
Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.
However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that
my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what
this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try
this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released,and
seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My
captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so
he is safe.
For now…

My original title was “Down With the Diva” as in, I’m totally down with it circa 1970′s slang meaning totally into it/ liking it. Then I reread it and realized that it sounded like the total opposite sentiment so I tried to think of another fun, diva themed video/song/pun but none came to mind, so you’ll just have to deal with my lame one.
Sorry there were no day 3 Diva Cup follies but first of all, I’m finally getting the hang of the thing and second, CB and I were gone from 8 in the morning till after 9 at night helping his friends move from here in Gent to there new house in Zulte, a nice little village near (in?) West Flanders. It was a loooong day, as moving days usually are, so by the time we got home we were both pretty tired and we went straight to bed. The only issue with my Diva Cup was that damn turn thing at the end that opens it up all the way. It leaked a tiny bit for the first half of the day (thank goodness I got plenty of big white Hanes “period panties” for leaks), but I got it in right the second half and was good the rest of the evening/night. Today has also been fine; no leaks, easy inserting and removing, no peeing upon myself or the bathroom walls. I think I finally have the hang of it, and in 4 days so that’s not bad. I think I know enough now to give you a pros and cons list and let you decide whether or not to embark on a Diva Cup (Keeper, Moon Cup etc.) adventure of your very own.

Cons

• Allow for a “learning period” on your first cycle to get used to insertion/removal/cleaning etc.
• I’m a little bit sore from all the prodding and twisting I’ve done with the cup in the past few days, although it’s already feeling better
• When you wanna get your groove on you sort of have to plan ahead cause you can’t just pull the cup out and set it aside. Well, you can I guess, but that’s not very sanitary
• Unique to my current situation- if you don’t have a bathroom with a sink, the cleaning can be a bit of a hassle (i.e. shuffling to the kitchen sink with your pants around your knees and then making sure the drain is clear of food debris before cleaning your cup [nothing like a drain sieve full of oatmeal bits, Whiskas crumbs and uteral lining to whet that appetite] before shuffling back into the “toilet alcove” to reinsert the cup)

Pros

• Once you get the hang of it it’s fast and easy
• No nasty tampons or pads to throw away
• None of the nasty odor that can go along with the tampons/pads
• No nasty tampons or pads sitting in landfills and leaching toxins into the soils
• No nasty tampons or pads leaching toxins into your vagina
• Pads and tampons really make it seems like we bleed a lot more than we do
• You only really need to change the cup twice a day – maybe three times on a heavy day
• I always have to double up with a tampon and pad on my heaviest day, with the cup I didn’t
• You can’t feel it at all and you don’t lose your natural moisture like you do with tampons

I’m sure I can think of more but it’s barbecue weather and we’re heading out to the garden for some supper. If you have any questions regarding the Diva Cup or my opinion thereof, feel free to leave it in the comment section or e-mail me at KorieAtLilacspecsDotCom. I’ll be more than happy to explain anything or give you more details if you need it.

But as far as the Diva Cup goes, I can say that I heartily endorse this product.

I think it was Earth Day when I mentioned that I would review my first usage of the Diva Cup for you. Did you think I was avoiding it or that I’d chickened out? I was actually due to begin the joy of menstruating on Sunday. But Sunday came and went with no menses whatsoever. Then Monday went. And Tuesday. And around noon today I started getting a bit nervous. I’ve had this insane craving for dairy products all week. I’ve been very hungry and the past few days I’ve been feeling kind of sore, especially in my chest and upper body. The nervousness was overshadowed by a tiny little bit of hope. I mentioned it to CB and we decided an EPT might be wise. Then as soon as I got up and left to go buy one, the cramping started. By the time I got home my period had too. Relieved? Yeah, but I can’t honestly say that I’m not a bit disappointed too.

So, for you, my faithful female following (I doubt dad, MAK, M. or any other guy that reads this is interested), I put off the moping and Ben and Jerry eating for later this evening and got right down to the business of washing and inserting my brand new Diva Cup. The washing went well, the soap-free wash is pretty and orange-y smelling. And who doesn’t love fresh scented nether regions? I do recommend that you wash it in warm water because cold water, while invigorating, is not always the best way to get your muscles to relax. Other than that, insertion was pretty easy, although the twisting of the cup once it’s inserted to make sure it is open fully…that I’m a bit sketchy on. If you’ve ever delved into that lovely, life giving region between your legs, you’ll already know that once inside, things get a bit slippery. I think I got a full twist in, but I kept slipping, so I’m not sure. I guess I’ll find out when I dump it before bedtime. Otherwise so far I don’t even feel it. I’ll be sure to keep you up to date on further Diva Developments.