June Monthly Friend: Alyssa B.
Alyssa is one of two interns who will be joining the GladRags Team for the summer. We’re super excited to have her on board!
Name: Alyssa Beers
Age: 23
Hometown:Monroe, Connecticut
Current location: Portland, Oregon
Occupation: Crazy/Sexy/Cool
Interests: Drawing, collage, bicycling, playing wall ball, free boxes, diy projects, braiding hair, the many colors of wood, novice gardening.
Dreams: Going on a bike tour (it’s happening in July!) & to stop biting my nails (might never happen).
How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: 3 years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: My friend Mary said she had to go put in her “blood cup”- I had no idea what that meant so when I asked the answer was “Oh a safe, reusable cup that holds your period blood” I said “I HAVE TO HAVE THAT”. I’d like to say I’m “environmentally conscious” and was surprised to learn there were such amazing products — some from right here in Portland! — that I had yet to even hear about.
Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: The first time I used my Keeper I totally poured blood all down my arm. In a public restroom. People thought I’d come out of the stall having murdered a small animal or something. I’m totally vocal about all bodily issues after spending many of my formative years afraid to so much as fart in a room with my friends. I’ve come a long way to now being comfortable not only talking about how awesome it is to use menstrual products that won’t harm me or my environment, but comfortable enough with my body to use ‘em in the first place. Really, all you need is that first time of being like, yep, that’s my menstrual blood on my arm, and then you’re set for life.
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June 4th, 2010 at 5:13 am
Hi Alyssa! I like your “braiding hair” interest
I find using the Keeper Cup most difficult in public. At work I will get a paper towel and wet it down before going into the stall so I have something to the cup with. But then I’m throwing out the paper towel and making the waste I was trying to avoid. Does anyone have any tips for Keeper Cupping in public restrooms?
June 9th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Holly: you could carry a small water bottle with a ‘sports’ cap in your bag, so that when you’re in the stall you can squirt your cup with water over the toilet. Then dry your hands with a handkerchief. You could probably find something like this at a thrift store really easily: http://static.promopeddler.com/prodpics/bigprodimgs/5190000/5199367.jpg
Also, I’m just going to put it out there that I really hope Alyssa braids my hair at least once this summer!
June 10th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Holly- I use a moistened hankie that i keep in the type of bag you can keep your reusable pads in, so that its waterproof. I just toss that in with the laundry after my period is over.
Hope that helps!
Also, my hair is braided RIGHT NOW!