A shower could unite us, make things right, but that would be too easy and since I’ve neglected the laundry as well, I’m just going to bloody up a few safe, but non-menstrual fabrics for the time being.

NB:  the last cycle was 24 days.

The first day was painful, but not bad (bloating, mild acne, cramping.)  I’d describe it as constant, moderate ache, rather than intermittent stabbing pain.

Flow/Texture:  1 teaspoon, brown, liquid texture, chunky bits

Mood:  fine

Symptoms:  none

Mucus:

Another light period bringing itself to an end.  Not sure I like this very much.

I wanted to mention that I did manage to find some enjoyment in being sick for a half a week, despite not having been sick several years:  the cold ritual.  Drinking green tea loaded with honey, walking around and lying huddled in my blanket, the soups!

My throat felt like sand paper, but when I swallowed the warm, sweet tea, it felt instantly better–if only for a little while.  There were canned soups, sure, but they were fragrant and delicious.  I took them for granted before, but this time, I forced myself to slow down and enjoy them.  Oh, and there was rosemary oil in my oil burner.  Thanks to the rituals, I was able to enjoy the scent–and I think it not only helped with my headaches, it inspired some good writing for Nanowrimo–but I’m not supposed to talk about that here.  Overall, it felt good to take care of myself like that.

Nonetheless, I hope it will be a good, long time before I have to do it again.

Flow/Texture: one tablespoon, dark red, thick, yet liquid-like texture

Mood:  fine

Symptoms:  none

Mucus:

Small amount, really just coating the sides of the up.  I’m starting to feel like myself again, but tiny bits of strangeness popping up intermittently–like reminders.

Flow/Texture:  ¼ oz, dark red, elastic, strong blood scent,

Mood:  fine

Symptoms:  pulsing, throbbing, soul-killing headache

Mucus:

I woke up with a terrible headache that I couldn’t Hitachi my way out of.  It lasted maybe an hour or so, but it felt like forever.  I’ve taken to wearing my cup longer than normal.

Flow/Texture: free flow

Mood:  sour, irritable

Symptoms:  cramps, pain, bloating

A strange one, being a day late.  I felt the cramps and aching several before I started to bleed.  Hitachi was on soothe-duty and helped quite a bit, but water came through in the end.  I’ve had a really bad cold this week and I just knew that I’d have to put up with both menstrual aches and a cold.  Thankfully, however, the cold has abated over the past few days.

Meaning these entries won’t be posted in the normal time frame.  Right now, I’m starting on my third day.  I’m beginning with a headache, bloating, and mild cramping.

Yesterday saw the same thing.  My fuse was short, but not as short as the first day.  I was more prone to mouthing off.

No problems with the cup.

Flow/Texture:  ¼ oz, dark red, elastic, deep, rich blood scent

Mood:  es geht

Symptoms:  mild cramping, a little bloating, headache

Mucus:

A little rough today. A few fish oil pill cons:

1. long nails + menstrual cup removal = not so nice feeling.
2. long nails + bloody vagina = a lovely shade of red on and under the fingernails.  Nice.

Water is good–it’s coolness should feel good against the tingly on my skin originating from the oil.  I just don’t want to get up to fix it.

I’m so ready to start working out again–I hate feeling weak.  The mornings are cool and perfect for hard sweating.

Afternoon:  cramping and bloating like mad, all morning.  Hitachi is useless–I used him until I grew raw.  I’m drinking water now, but it’s not helping.  Were I fit, I’d do yoga.

Late Afternoon:  the cramping and bloating are finally starting to subside.

Emptied the cup in a wasteful manner:  ¼ oz, reddish black, elastic, chunky.

Flow/Texture:  free flow

Mood:  eh, lippy

Symptoms:  ick-feeling in my pelvis, irritability

Mucus:

24-day cycle again, on a full moon.

Yeah, I’m feeling icky in the shorts and Hitachi will comfort me in bed tonight as I consider which scary movies to watch.  I love all the channels that have gotten into the spirit with scary movie marathons.

Ah, except for some irritability some days ago and cravings, PMS wasn’t a big deal.  Of course, I should have noted that already.  I’m working on it–not that it matters.  If I could just feel good about myself again or at least enough to jump back on the happiness trail, I’d be solid.

Flow/Texture:  remnant drops and bits, brown

Mood:  steadily improving

Symptoms: increased emotional sensitivity

Mucus:

Had to hold back tears twice for things that usually compel nothing more than pout or wrinkled brow.  There was a strong desire to just give up entirely as everything seem to justify all of my rash feelings.

I’ll just go ahead and conclude that I’m still unsure as to how as I should face the world.