It’s not success, money, material possessions, or recognition; the true measure of a life well-lived is the strength with which we loved and forgave and grew and survived.

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late.
~Marie Beyon Ray

Yesterday, another box of free tampons arrived by mail. Why, you may be wondering, is a guy stocking up on free tampons? The short answer is nose bleeds (see my Facebook note on this topic: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=311520668797). 

The variety that arrived yesterday is called Playtex Sport and the box is complete with photos and drawings of women dancing, exercising, and even surfing. Being a shark enthusiast, I can’t say I would encourage women who are bleeding to go surfing. That’s just tempting fate.  But I digress.

When I opened the box to find my three free samples inside, I was shocked and amused to find inspirational messages printed on the outer wrapping of each tampon. Seriously? Do women really spend a lot of time reading the wrappers while swapping out their tampons? That seems strange and, frankly, unhygienic (don’t ask me why — my imagination simply concocts a not-so-pretty image of this disgusting, yet necessary, process).

Now, back to the topic at hand: inspirational messages on tampon wrappers. Ladies, are these really necessary? Are you more likely to buy this brand because the makers care enough to uplift your spirits during this emotionally charged time of the month? While pondering over these strange little cotton corks, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Playtex marketers received their inspiration while cracking open fortune cookies after a brainstorming session at their local Chinese buffet.

What’s your take on all this?