Many folks who know me would have never guessed in a million
years that I would be sitting here writing to you as a vegan. Not just “vegan”
being someone who abstains from ingesting any foods made of animals or animal
byproducts, but a full-fledged, non-leather buying, synthetic material wearing,
cosmetic scrutinizing, compassion practicing, anti-speciesist, human being. Hell, ask me the same question a
year ago and I probably would have said the same thing.
I came across a quote last week:
You will recognize your own path
when you come upon it, because you will suddenly have all the energy and
imagination you will every need.
--Sara
Teasdale
When I read that, everything I have been doing and developing
was put in this perfect little word nugget, and I am excited that I found it. I
learned something about myself in that instant.
I have been vegan for less than a year. I’ll tell you, it
feels like longer…but then I listen to people tell me stories about 5 years ago…10
years ago…15 years ago…20 years ago…and I feel like less, like I haven’t done enough,
like I will never do enough. There is some truth to all of that. I know I cannot
devote all of my time to fighting for the rights of animals and the health of
our planet.
In addition to being a member of mainstream America…I am not
an anarchist, I do not go directly against the grain. I prefer to redirect people,
give them new information and help them formulate new opinions. I feel very
little can be accomplished by arguing, through violence, and other forms of disobedience.
It is not in my nature to break rules; I’d rather change them.
So , how can I be an activist? I don’t know the answer to
the question…but here is what I have going on right now…
In the name of my employer…The (vegan) Caterer…We are
hosting a benefit for Green Acres
Farm Sanctuary. This sanctuary has been around for 5 years, and just in the
past year and a half became a qualified non-profit. The husband and wife team
host dozens of rescued animals who live permanently, as well as fostering
puppies and dogs from a nearby no-kill shelter. We are so excited to be able to
help create awareness for this amazing organization which is doing all it can
to save animals from needlessly being exploited and murdered.
In addition to benefiting a great organization the purpose
of this benefit is to bring together as many people from the community as
possible in support of a common goal. To listen to respected community member and
business owner Tim Hitchins discuss the importance of building a strong
foundation of businesses, organizations and individuals to drive the movement
forward and into a positive light. So far we have tid-bits of information, but
I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what the rest of the talk has in
store.
As I have begun coordinating this benefit I have become
overwhelmed by the community’s response. I have yet to be turned down by any business
for product donations for our raffle. Every raffle prize will come from a vegan
business from around the northwest! It is an amazing feeling to pour your heart
and soul into something and have the response of people be exactly everything
you ever hoped and imagined it could be.
As someone who can without a doubt still count my vegan and
vegetarian friends on one hand it is an incredible experience. This benefit is
like my sweet 16 of veganism…my coming out party…I’m here to help, support and give
whatever I can so we can all work toward our common goal.
In all my success collecting prizes and support from local
businesses, I hope that we are successful in recruiting individuals to join us
for the event. The ticket holders, the people who want to support this amazing
organization, and be a part of the foundation of the community. On paper it is
a sure thing…but we need people to come celebrate the love in their own lives
with a group of people who share interests and concerns for the welfare of the
planet’s many creatures.
I personally invite you to attend our benefit this Valentine’s
Day, February 14 at 7pm. Please bring dates, friends, acquaintances, and anyone
who may be curious about veganism. It is a great opportunity to show
non-subscribers all of the benefits of being a part of something so amazing;
something that has changed my life in a very short time, and would no doubt
contribute to their quality of life.
Click
HERE to purchase
tickets!
I love protein shakes...BUT in an effort to get creative with my snacks I looked up different protein puddings and such. Many call for nut butters (teehee <--Not mature enough) and other ingredients...Too much fat, too many calories, and too much effort!!!!
Ok Folks! I am combining the progress and planning results.
So you are going to see the food and my nearly nuuuuuudness…so I apologize in
advance. 
I should be filing…but…
Planning:
I have been eating this oatmeal recipe for the past 2 weeks. I can't usually just eat the same thing over and over and over; but this is different. It is so good, and there are so many dynamic flavors...I simply can't get enough.
I have been lifting weights for…since I was 16. (I’m getting
older, so I don’t think I’m supposed to say how old I am anymore.) My high
school weight room had a lot of rules. I still believe in them. 
When I was looking to buy a bike I was advised to buy a Cyclocross bike and start racing. I took a few clinics, and had my first race yesterday. 
I am registered for the entire 5 week series BLIND DATE AT THE DAIRY. The way it works is I had to register as a beginner and as you perform well you move up into other classes. Beginners-->C-->B-->A...You get it.
