Amy over at Crunchy Domestic Goddess recently answered some interview questions on her blog sent to her by another blogger.  She asked if anyone else would like to be interviewed and I said, "Yes!"  So, here are her questions.  And, my answers.  Enjoy!

Oh, and if any of you, my fellow bloggers, are interested in my sending you your own individualized set of interview questions for your blog, drop me a line.

1) Would you mind telling me (and any other newbies) a bit about yourself and your background?

Sure thing!  Well, first off, my name is Diana.  Hello.  I began this life in the state of Massachusetts, dreaming of leaving home to travel and do my own "thing".  I did and now I am very happy.  After Spanish speaking in Latin America, attempted Japanese in Kyoto and various other jaunts around this fascinating planet, I moved west.  I currently reside in the extremely livable and generally happy Portland, Oregon.

Various other tidbits - I am the youngest of 7 children (can we say Irish Catholic?!).  I like exploring a variety of cultures (including, for example, woodworkers) and finding out what makes them tick - more or less.  I started eating vegan some months ago and enjoy delving into whole foods cooking and reaping its delicious benefits.  I like my friends, but who doesn't?  Children are amazing.  I don't think it's ok for a person to say that they don't like people.  I really enjoy my alone time.  Oh, and tennis and snowboarding and walking and laughing.

2) How did you first get involved with GladRags? 

I have to say that I was primed for the 'Rags before I started working here.  It all began in Costa Rica.  I was at a birthday party and my friend whipped out this interesting little device - looked like a shot glass.  So, we used it as a shot glass.  We were doing what we knew.  Anyway, turned out to be her new (a.k.a. unused) menstrual cup.  The seed was planted and I bought myself a cup and a cloth menstrual pad.

When I moved to Portland, I decided not to go down the Early Childhood Education route for which I was trained and poured over Craigslist for alternative gainful employment.  I found an ad for GladRags, made my future bosses laugh in the interview, and was hired!  I started out doing shipping and customer service and eventually moved into marketing.  I love the 'Rags. 

3) Do you have any suggestions for a woman who would like to do a good thing for the environment and try GladRags, but is feeling squeamish about the whole thing? 

Yes I do - get over it!  No, no just kidding...

My good friend Sara always says, "We didn't learn these things over night, we can't be expected to unlearn them in a day."  I agree with that sentiment.  All during our prepubescent days, we were taught about disposable pads and tampons.  Of course, these products are the only ones with which we are comfortable - we tend to like the status quo, I would say.  So, be easy on yourself.  Get a small supply of GladRags and only use them on your light days.  Then build up to full reusable use as you get more comfortable with them.

Just so you know - they are not gross.  I know it seems like they would be since you are bleeding onto cloth and then washing that cloth and using it again, but you grow not just accustomed to this, but to like GladRags.  They are so soft and you'll feel so sustainable!

Trust me.  And if you don't trust me (shame on you!), check out what other ladies have to say. 

4) What little known fact about you might surprise some of your readers? 

Oh man, that question insinuates that I'm secretly fascinating.  I really have to deliver here.  Let's see...

Well, I recently co-authored a travel guide to Portland.  It's called GrassRoutes Travel: Portland, New View of the Rosy City.  It's all about urban eco-travel.  Pick up a copy and check out the amazing publishing company, GrassRoutes Travel, that puts it out! 

5) Let's say you are going to be stranded with your family on a deserted island for 90 days. What 3 things would you take with you and why? (Why do I have a good feeling I know what one of your answers will be?? LOL)

1. A family counselor to mediate conflict (you know how it goes - we all wanna make it out alive here!) 

2. Pen and paper (can that count as one?!) to record all of the revelations that will surely hit me with such an experience

3. A knife.  Like, a REALLY good knife to cut into coconuts and what not. I guess survival equals knife in my mind. 

Surprisingly NOT GladRags Pads.  This is because I would take those 7 days of menstruating and just bleed right onto that sand.  It'd be an excuse to have some alone time. 

Thanks for the questions, Amy! 

Now it's your turn. If you want to be interviewed, leave me a comment including the words "Interview me." I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don't have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.