Tampons and Sharpies

What do these seemingly unrelated items have in common other than their obvious similarity in shape?  They are the two prized possessions I bring back to China with me and beg others to use as filler/packaging peanuts if they are so kind to mail something to the Middle Kingdom anyway.

A dear friend of ours unfortunately left China in the spring to relocate back to Iowa.  I nearly wept when she offered her gigantic plastic tub of tampons to me just hours before we said goodbye.  You think I’m joking.  Honestly.  As I unpacked the colorful array of wrapped cotton tubes beneath my sink, I was overcome with what I can only describe as the deepest gratitude and love for my friend.  I sure will miss her, but she couldn’t have expressed her friendship in a more meaningful way.

Needless to say after the monster gift of tampons, I didn’t need to bring back many from the States this summer.  Which allowed me to pack even more Sharpies than expected.  Fine Point.  Ultra Fine Point.  Chisel Tip.  Look it up, they exist and I love each of them equally.  Black, lots of black…but also the color packs.  I got them all and they will be used and appreciated each time I replenish the supply in my classroom and around the house.  Check any drawer in our apartment and you’ll find one.  They are so handy and helpful.  Having my fingertips brush across a pointed, juicy (full of ink) Sharpie in the dark depths of an abandoned corner in the art room is always sure to brighten up my day.  The one clipped on my smock is vital to everyday art teacher survival and almost as important as the one in the kitchen drawer next to the forks.

So I know what you’re thinking.  Of all the things in all of the world that I could miss from the States while in China the past 2 years, this is all I’ve got?  My answer…yes.  You mean tampons and permanent markers don’t exist in China?  Kind of.  Yes, there is ONE brand of tampon here, but it can be hard to find and not of the quality or type that is likely comfortable for any woman.  (Sorry gentlemen for the topic, but it matters.)  As for permanent markers, yes China has them and I have bought all types, colors, and brands.  They typically end up not actually being permanent and washing away into a muddy smear when painted over or washed…or when uncapped in the moment of shear joy to use for the first time, they disappoint by being nearly out of ink or completely dry…jipped again by the friendly old lady at the art store!  Sharpies are reliable, bold, and above all else, PERMANENT.

To review our summer holiday, we spent awesome time with family and friends, ate some good Mexican/Thai/American/Spanish food, and drank plenty of microbrew beer.  I packed pretty much nothing but gifts to give away when we came to the U.S. and returned to China crossing my fingers that the stern Chinese customs guy wouldn’t confiscate my bag full of tampons and Sharpies…the only thing that stood between me and another harmonious year in China.