My Fair Lady

Ladycup LOTOS

This is a picture of my menstrual cup with it's cotton baggie. After careful research and much deliberation, I took the plunge and ordered one from Ebay. I got it for $22 (USD), shipping to the Philippines included. I chose this particular brand because it's the smallest and squishiest. I used it for the first time this month. First time I tried it, it just wouldn't go in. I must have done all the folds I learned but it just wouldn't go in. So I left the bathroom, rested a bit and when I tried it again, voila, no trouble at all. It popped open without any prodding and only leaked a bit before I took it out. It wasn't that uncomfortable but I was annoyed by the stem so I cut a bit of it. I can't remember how long I left it in but the second time I used it, it got stuck in my vjj for hours. I was a bit worried but I read on the forum that sometimes it happens and the more I worry, the more stressed I'd be and I really wouldn't be able to take it out. Anyway, the second time it popped, it really hurt and I figured twice for my first time was enough. Boiled the cup and put it away. I think I only used 4 sanitary napkins for my whole cycle.... Still trying to gather courage to use a menstrual cup for the entirety of my next cycle. 

Maybe I should invest on cloth pads. 

P.S. I ordered some cloth pantyliners from Etsy for light days and backup for my menstrual cup. Really going to try to eliminate this disposable item from my list.

Throwing Away the Throwaway Lifestyle

I got into the concept of environmentalism when I was in college when I joined my school's environmental organization. There were some things that were easy for me to do but there were some that weren't. Until now, I'm still struggling with doing what needs doing without offending acquaintances or alienating friends and family.

In a little more than a month, I'll be living alone. Really alone, no housemates or friends around. I'm taking the time to inspect my lifestyle so I can be ready to make some changes. I want to escape from a throwaway lifestyle.

Step 1: Organize ALL my things. I've accumulated stuff and brought in a lot of things from home. I need to make sure that I'm not buying things I already have, or things I don't really need.

Step 2: Consider alternatives for disposable objects.
-menstrual cup and cloth pantiliners to replace sanitary napkins
-wet bags instead of ziploc bags
-reusable utensils and cups/mugs instead of plastic dinnerware
-recyclable toothbrush and razors
-cloth towels and wipes
-reusable bags instead of plastic bags

Step 3: Avoid creating trash.

Gotta be ready for the challenge. Wish me luck.

2008-2010

• February 2008 --> went to Vietnam, started working at NES (Natural English School)
• May 2008 --> from Thuy Van St., moved to 15 Tang
• late May - August 2008 --> substitute teacher at VT Kiddie Group
• December 2008 --> Christmas vacation in the Philippines,
• January 2009 --> went to Caramoan before going back to VN, holiday in Siem Reap, decided to come back to the Philippines
• February - April 2009 --> bum
• April 2009 --> packed my bags and went back to VN
• June 2009 --> N3 (NES kids branch) opening
• August 2009 --> Tito Joven died, emergency leave
• December 2009 --> first Christmas away from home, spent it with Gilda's family in Phnom Penh
• February 2010 --> 2-week trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore with Ate
• April 2010 --> quit being manager of N3, became a part time teacher
• late June 2010 --> left for the Philippines for a much needed R&R, fix documents, etc.
• August 2010 --> back to Vietnam
• October 2010 --> CELTA at ILA Vietnam - HCM

...

Sometimes it amazes me how most everybody seems to be growing up and moving forward while I'm still stuck, stumbling and uncertain of what's next. A lot of my friends think I've got things figured out and because I don't have the responsibilities they do --- it means I'm doing what I want to be doing. But how do I do that when I don't even know what I want.

When I was back home in the Philippines, I got to talk with some friends and some of the stuff I heard scared me. My Neverland neighbor said that he's hanging on by a thread and might be growing up soon. Another said that he's with a job that pays the bills even though he doesn't really enjoy it anymore. More of my friends are getting married and/or having babies and sometimes I feel uncertain as to whether we're still on the same page. Some are contemplating making the big move abroad and living there for good. Yeah, I'm working abroad, but it's because it's convenient. While I'm here I can delay making the big decisions that need doing.

I like me. I like my life... being a little sister with the mentality of a little sister --- I can do what I want when I want to and if I don't know what to do I can run to someone ---- that kind of thinking. But until when can I do that?

'Disco Night at Malate, Manila

Yeah, I know I haven't posted anything in almost a year----but I had such a fun night that I can't sleep without talking to someone or at least blog about it. Teehee...

After almost 3 years of making do with Vung Tau nightlife (if you can call it that), I went clubbing with a couple of friends. Oh yeah, lemme correct that. We went DISCO dancing, to use Howie's word of the month. Amazingly, my slightly homophobic and decidedly straight friend Jason braved Orosa St. with me, and good friends Howard, John and Popo. John chose Che'lu, a supposedly mixed bar. The music was alright. We at least got to hear "Satisfaction" but Howie and I were a bit disappointed that they didn't play "Absolutely Not." Anyway, it was a fun night because I got to dance with my favorite guys sans Phy. And just like the old days, Johnny Boy left with someone, Howie's obsessing about a missed chance and Popo --- ready for a new day. Jason was a nice addition, he kept claiming that he couldn't dance. Turned out all he needed was to loosen up and okay, more practice but he was alright for a first-timer. Hmmm... or maybe it was the beer.

Oh shoot, it's light outside. Gotta get some zzzz's. Loved my night out. Good thing I can still dance on stilettos. 

P.S. Those aren't my feet but I wore the exact same shoes....

I'm back!

It's been a while... I have no idea where to begin and I may have forgotten how to, er, write. :D

Update on my life ---
January: I took my parents and my aunt with me back to VN for a five-day holiday. My sister's camera was acting up and none of my mom's gazillion photos survived. I guess it means they have to come back to VN :D Shortly after that, my sister showed up and together with Thea, Laurice, Rizza and 2 of my friends from back home (my beloved Phy and John), we hauled ourselves to Siem Reap. Before going back to Vietnam, I decided that I wanted to go back to the Philippines. I figured there wasn't anything for me workwise so I up and left.
February-April: I bummed around, couldn't decide on what to do and what job to apply for. I didn't like the offers I got and got discouraged by the "no's". I waited for a sign (mwahaha) and went back to Vietnam.
end of April: I accepted a full time position at the Natural English School and agreed to manage the new branch for kids.
June: The kiddie branch opened so I lost the little free time I had.
August: My uncle died and I took an emergency leave to be with family.
now: I'm going crazy. not. I just don't know what to say so I better end this post.

note: I probably won't be posting my sidebar for my finances. There are plans and there are PLANS but I don't want to jinx them yet so I'll let it rest for now.

Last Minute Stuff

I'm leaving for VietNam again tomorrow... well, later.

In less than 24 hours I'll be leaving dear old Philippines again.

I may be back in 5 months or not.

My trip was both planned and unplanned, until now I still have some loose ends that I may have to leave untied.

I dunno what's next.

I can't sleep or I don't want to sleep.