Well, tomorrow marks a new journey in life. I've finally decided to take a chance and do something amazing. Tomorrow I'll be getting picked up by Action for Animals and we'll be starting the trek to Texas for the first day of Warped Tour. I'm taking 5 weeks off from work to go travel the country with an amazing animal rights organization and do vegan outreach at all the dates of the Vans Warped Tour. I've never been away from home this long or away from the people I know and love this long.... so I'm of course a little nervous but even more excited. I always thought that one day I'd be touring the country playing music, and at least now I get to tour doing something else I'm passionate about. And luckily I've got friends all over the place so I'll get to see some friendly faces along the way as well as meet a lot of new and incredible people! I cannot explain how excited I am. I'm taking a camera and a journal and I'm going to document my journey the best I can. I'm sure I'll be posting a lot on facebook, twitter and instagram so make sure to keep up with my feeds. :) I love you all and I'll see you all when I get home (if I come home haha jk). I know that coming home is going to be a bittersweet thing... I'll be so happy to come back and see my dogs, family, boyfriend and friends but I'll be miserable knowing I'm going to have to stop doing vegan outreach daily and go back to my day job. It's going to be a huge tease of what life could be like if I dedicated myself even more to this cause... probably going to act as a huge motivation to just make it happen for myself. :) So wish me luck and hopefully I'll see some of you on the road.
<3 Breezy
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
SATURATION FEST!
So here's the deal. This weekend is Riverside's Annual Saturation Art and Music Festival. And I am going to be tabling for Action for Animals throughout the whole festival, as well as performing acoustic for the close out show for the festival. Now... I've never attended Saturation before, so I'm not sure as to how an animal rights and vegan outreach booth is going to be received at it... I'm hoping it will go over well and people will be interested in our literature and the things we have for sale. And I have a personal goal of how much money I'd really love to raise for this organization at this festival, since it's one that I signed AFA up for, rather than one they asked me to table for them. I want to make them proud and I want a lot of people to take in what we are putting out.
So I have a request I'm sending to all my friends (and everyone in general), if you're going to Saturation Fest (or if you weren't planning on going... go!) Please stop by the Action for Animals table in Back to the Grind and check out the free literature we have to offer and if you learn anything new from our table... then please consider donating. As well, if you have an extra buck or two... buy a cool button or sticker. The money goes to a great organization who's doing incredible work for animal rights. And I'd like to make this event really awesome for them and for the animals we're all trying to help.
Our table will be set up in Back to the Grind
Friday from 6 to 11p
Saturday from Noon to 5p
Sunday from 2 to 6p
And then I'll be performing at The Division 9 Gallery Sunday night, if you'd like to stop by for the show. It would mean the world to me.
The fest has a lot of really amazing shows and art vendors and and DIY activities, so you really don't want to miss it!
Thank you and I hope to see you ALL at Saturation this weekend.
<3 Breezy
So I have a request I'm sending to all my friends (and everyone in general), if you're going to Saturation Fest (or if you weren't planning on going... go!) Please stop by the Action for Animals table in Back to the Grind and check out the free literature we have to offer and if you learn anything new from our table... then please consider donating. As well, if you have an extra buck or two... buy a cool button or sticker. The money goes to a great organization who's doing incredible work for animal rights. And I'd like to make this event really awesome for them and for the animals we're all trying to help.
Our table will be set up in Back to the Grind
Friday from 6 to 11p
Saturday from Noon to 5p
Sunday from 2 to 6p
And then I'll be performing at The Division 9 Gallery Sunday night, if you'd like to stop by for the show. It would mean the world to me.
The fest has a lot of really amazing shows and art vendors and and DIY activities, so you really don't want to miss it!
Thank you and I hope to see you ALL at Saturation this weekend.
<3 Breezy
Monday, May 23, 2011
Worldfest 2011!
Yesterday started a new and very exciting chapter in my world of animal rights activism. I tabled my first festival for Action for Animals! The fest was called Worldfest and it was a solar-powered festival of music, the environment, animals and humanity. I didn't really know what to expect going into it since I'd never been to the festival before and since I'd never ran a table for an animal rights organization before... but holy crap was it amazing! As much as I wanted to see all the other incredible organizations that were there, I barely left the AFA table because I was having such an incredible time connecting and talking with all the people who were stopping at our booth. I seriously met some of the most incredible people I've ever met in my life! From a 10 year old vegan advocate to an 75 year old vegan author... from clothing companies such as Arm The Animals who help raise money for animal care organizations to groups like Band of Mercy, an abolitionist animal advocacy organization. From a rescued cow named Madonna with The Gentle Barn... to a paraplegic pup named JoJo with another animal shelter. And the list can go on foreverrrr.
I was too stuck at my booth to really go and check out all the incredible vegan food vendors that were at the fest... but I can say that I had the best fake chicken drumsticks EVER. And of course...I checked out my Twitter friends at JAM Vegan Bakery and had the best PB & Jam Cupcake I could ever ask for.
I seriously have never met so many people who care so much about what's going on in our world, with our environment and ALL of the species that inhabit it... not just some of them. I don't think a single person came to our table and harassed us about what we were doing and what we stood for. But, multiple people came and shook my hand and the hands of the other volunteers I had with me... and personally thanked us for the work we are doing for animals. My heart has never been so touched. It's really encouraging being surrounded by that many people who care about the issues that plague your own heart. The festival really motivated me and put the idea in my head that I can help... that I really can make a difference. Because there's so many others out there with the same exact mission I've got... and if we all keep pressing forward... progress is inevitable. We will see change in this world and it will be for the betterment of us all.
I wish I could name and link every incredible person and organization that I met yesterday, but there was just too many to do so and for that I'm sorry, because I really do wish I could tell everyone about all the different causes that were brought to my attention. But please check out the people that I have linked in this blog and support the awesome work that they are doing.
To those that I met yesterday, thank you for making it such an incredible experience for me. To those who volunteered with me, thank you for helping and standing beside me in this cause that we believe in so much. To Action for Animals, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do these incredible events. I cannot wait to table and do outreach at more festivals like Worldfest! Thankfully, I get to do it all again next weekend at Saturation Fest (Inland Empires Indie DIY Art and Music Festival)! Though, that is going to be slightly different... We will be the only Animal Rights organization at the festival... it's all artists and musicians, so hopefully our booth will be received well and people who don't know what we're all about will show interest in our cause and support those voiceless beings that we chose to give our voices to.
Lets take on the world!
With a very happy and encouraged heart...
Breezy <3
I was too stuck at my booth to really go and check out all the incredible vegan food vendors that were at the fest... but I can say that I had the best fake chicken drumsticks EVER. And of course...I checked out my Twitter friends at JAM Vegan Bakery and had the best PB & Jam Cupcake I could ever ask for.
I seriously have never met so many people who care so much about what's going on in our world, with our environment and ALL of the species that inhabit it... not just some of them. I don't think a single person came to our table and harassed us about what we were doing and what we stood for. But, multiple people came and shook my hand and the hands of the other volunteers I had with me... and personally thanked us for the work we are doing for animals. My heart has never been so touched. It's really encouraging being surrounded by that many people who care about the issues that plague your own heart. The festival really motivated me and put the idea in my head that I can help... that I really can make a difference. Because there's so many others out there with the same exact mission I've got... and if we all keep pressing forward... progress is inevitable. We will see change in this world and it will be for the betterment of us all.
I wish I could name and link every incredible person and organization that I met yesterday, but there was just too many to do so and for that I'm sorry, because I really do wish I could tell everyone about all the different causes that were brought to my attention. But please check out the people that I have linked in this blog and support the awesome work that they are doing.
To those that I met yesterday, thank you for making it such an incredible experience for me. To those who volunteered with me, thank you for helping and standing beside me in this cause that we believe in so much. To Action for Animals, thank you for giving me the opportunity to do these incredible events. I cannot wait to table and do outreach at more festivals like Worldfest! Thankfully, I get to do it all again next weekend at Saturation Fest (Inland Empires Indie DIY Art and Music Festival)! Though, that is going to be slightly different... We will be the only Animal Rights organization at the festival... it's all artists and musicians, so hopefully our booth will be received well and people who don't know what we're all about will show interest in our cause and support those voiceless beings that we chose to give our voices to.
Lets take on the world!
With a very happy and encouraged heart...
Breezy <3
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Let's take this relationship to the next level...
It's no secret that I am vegan and I openly advocate my beliefs in the vegan lifestyle. I chose to take on this title because it's something I believe in and I wanted it to be known... as well as, at the time that I went vegan, I felt I needed the attachment to the title in order to keep me loyal. (after a couple years of reading and research, I don't need the title to keep me loyal anymore though. There's nothing that could break me now from my veganism) I have this image in my mind that giving yourself a title attaches you to that cause and keeps you strong, because in order to stray from that title... you would have to "Break up" with it in a way. And breaking up is a lot harder than simply changing your mind.
Over the past couple years, my views on a lot of things have changed and morphed and I've flirted with the ideas of attaching myself to some other titles. I've yet to do so though, out of fear of changing my mind. I see these choices like I see getting into a relationship with someone. I haven't done it because it's so much easier to change your mind if you don't have someone or something to "Break up" with in order to do so. Hence the reason I've stayed where I am in so many aspects of my life. But lately, a particular thing has been weighing very heavy on my heart. I don't know if it's because of recent happenings with people I know and love or if it's just my own personal ideals changing, but I feel it's time that I make another big change in my life and take on one more strong conviction.
My entire life, I have never once touched drugs, never smoked weed or cigarettes or anything of that sort. Anyone who knows me, knows that I refuse to take medications (aside from after my intensive foot surgery... I most definitely took my pain medication... though I did attempt to refuse it... I only lasted an hour or so). When I was 18, I even got an "Above the Influence" sign tattooed on my wrist to openly proclaim my personal animosity towards drugs. I know "influence" implies all chemicals that alter your state of being... but I did not attach it with alcohol at the time in which I got it. I am not some crazy drinker. I don't like alcohol much and I rarely ever want to drink... but I have drank in the past, this is no secret. Usually if I have an urge to drink, it's due to something deeper going on in my life... and I started doing this because of watching other people in my life do this. When I was a little younger, holidays were particularly depressing for me, so I would drink on holidays (some friends have even referred to me as a holiday drunk) to attempt to forget about whatever was on my mind... just to find that it did not help. I also started drinking a lot after a close friend committed suicide (didn't help then either). You forget for a couple hours and then wake up in the morning feeling worse...
And recently I've noticed what alcohol is doing to some people whom I love very dearly and even to myself... I'm seeing first hand how destructive it can be and the damage it can do. And I'm not comfortable with it. I don't like the way it makes me feel when someone I love hurts me because they're too drunk to know otherwise. I don't like the way it makes me feel the next morning when I realize what I may have done the night prior. I started realizing that I didn't like who I was when I was intoxicated. I did things I wouldn't do in my normal state of mind and have actually been ashamed of some of my actions. I get ashamed of other people's actions when I'm sober and can see what they are doing... I've realized I'm beginning to have a very low tolerance for drunkenness. I find myself getting easily annoyed and frustrated with people who are constantly intoxicated. Just everything... it all adds up to me detesting alcohol more and more each day.
And I've actually never had a problem stopping drinking... I can go years at a time without a drink, and not have a problem with it... which got me thinking... Why do I continue to do it... even intermittently... if I dislike it THIS much... why even partake the very little amount that I do?
When I'm around people who don't know me very well... and we get to talking about "recreational activity" people often ask me if I'm Straight Edge because I don't do drugs (medical and not medical), don't smoke weed or cigs, don't drink caffeine, and rarely ever drink alcohol... But, I always say No. Partly because people kind of scared me away from the title by some bad stereotyping. I didn't want to be associated with a lot of the things I had heard about. As well, obviously with the fact that I do have a drink every now and then... and I was worried about claiming a title like that, when I knew I'd probably one day want to have a drink again... and it would be a bit of an ordeal to break Edge to have a drink rather than not claim anything and have a drink if I so desired. But you know what... I don't want to have the choice anymore. Aside from already not being really into it... a recent incident with someone I love more than life itself made me never want to touch alcohol again. Also, since I turned 21 I have had absolutely no desire to drink... the only drink I have had was at my sisters bridal shower and it was a glass of champagne that everyone was given (I even stood there with it in my hand for about an hour debating on weather or not to drink it). I want to have a reason to say No that is bigger than me and goes beyond me, but it strictly for me.
I do not and will do my best to continue to not judge others for their lifestyle choices and their desires and activities. Just as I have always been against drugs, but dearly love people who partake in them, I am taking my stand now, as well, against alcohol, but will continue to love the people I know who partake in it (which is pretty much everyone). I will not judge people or have issues with people who are not Straight Edge, but I am making the decision to, for myself, take on this lifestyle. I hope it does not, and that I do not offend people that I love and care about by this decision, but it's something that I feel is right for me now. So yeah... that's that. The decision is made. And I'm happy about it, and feel like I will hold true to it and fall more in love with it everyday, just as I did with veganism.
See, it may take me some time to figure out my stance on things and where my heart lies... but when I do figure it out, I stick with it like my life depends on it. I'm learning that it's best to do your own research and learn what you're getting involved with... and make the decision for yourself. I spent too many years following other peoples beliefs and calling them my own... living them out and being unhappy with myself... and I can honestly say that I'm just now starting to really find myself. I don't have it all figured out yet... but everyday I get a little closer. And that's good enough for me.
Over the past couple years, my views on a lot of things have changed and morphed and I've flirted with the ideas of attaching myself to some other titles. I've yet to do so though, out of fear of changing my mind. I see these choices like I see getting into a relationship with someone. I haven't done it because it's so much easier to change your mind if you don't have someone or something to "Break up" with in order to do so. Hence the reason I've stayed where I am in so many aspects of my life. But lately, a particular thing has been weighing very heavy on my heart. I don't know if it's because of recent happenings with people I know and love or if it's just my own personal ideals changing, but I feel it's time that I make another big change in my life and take on one more strong conviction.
My entire life, I have never once touched drugs, never smoked weed or cigarettes or anything of that sort. Anyone who knows me, knows that I refuse to take medications (aside from after my intensive foot surgery... I most definitely took my pain medication... though I did attempt to refuse it... I only lasted an hour or so). When I was 18, I even got an "Above the Influence" sign tattooed on my wrist to openly proclaim my personal animosity towards drugs. I know "influence" implies all chemicals that alter your state of being... but I did not attach it with alcohol at the time in which I got it. I am not some crazy drinker. I don't like alcohol much and I rarely ever want to drink... but I have drank in the past, this is no secret. Usually if I have an urge to drink, it's due to something deeper going on in my life... and I started doing this because of watching other people in my life do this. When I was a little younger, holidays were particularly depressing for me, so I would drink on holidays (some friends have even referred to me as a holiday drunk) to attempt to forget about whatever was on my mind... just to find that it did not help. I also started drinking a lot after a close friend committed suicide (didn't help then either). You forget for a couple hours and then wake up in the morning feeling worse...
And recently I've noticed what alcohol is doing to some people whom I love very dearly and even to myself... I'm seeing first hand how destructive it can be and the damage it can do. And I'm not comfortable with it. I don't like the way it makes me feel when someone I love hurts me because they're too drunk to know otherwise. I don't like the way it makes me feel the next morning when I realize what I may have done the night prior. I started realizing that I didn't like who I was when I was intoxicated. I did things I wouldn't do in my normal state of mind and have actually been ashamed of some of my actions. I get ashamed of other people's actions when I'm sober and can see what they are doing... I've realized I'm beginning to have a very low tolerance for drunkenness. I find myself getting easily annoyed and frustrated with people who are constantly intoxicated. Just everything... it all adds up to me detesting alcohol more and more each day.
And I've actually never had a problem stopping drinking... I can go years at a time without a drink, and not have a problem with it... which got me thinking... Why do I continue to do it... even intermittently... if I dislike it THIS much... why even partake the very little amount that I do?
When I'm around people who don't know me very well... and we get to talking about "recreational activity" people often ask me if I'm Straight Edge because I don't do drugs (medical and not medical), don't smoke weed or cigs, don't drink caffeine, and rarely ever drink alcohol... But, I always say No. Partly because people kind of scared me away from the title by some bad stereotyping. I didn't want to be associated with a lot of the things I had heard about. As well, obviously with the fact that I do have a drink every now and then... and I was worried about claiming a title like that, when I knew I'd probably one day want to have a drink again... and it would be a bit of an ordeal to break Edge to have a drink rather than not claim anything and have a drink if I so desired. But you know what... I don't want to have the choice anymore. Aside from already not being really into it... a recent incident with someone I love more than life itself made me never want to touch alcohol again. Also, since I turned 21 I have had absolutely no desire to drink... the only drink I have had was at my sisters bridal shower and it was a glass of champagne that everyone was given (I even stood there with it in my hand for about an hour debating on weather or not to drink it). I want to have a reason to say No that is bigger than me and goes beyond me, but it strictly for me.
I do not and will do my best to continue to not judge others for their lifestyle choices and their desires and activities. Just as I have always been against drugs, but dearly love people who partake in them, I am taking my stand now, as well, against alcohol, but will continue to love the people I know who partake in it (which is pretty much everyone). I will not judge people or have issues with people who are not Straight Edge, but I am making the decision to, for myself, take on this lifestyle. I hope it does not, and that I do not offend people that I love and care about by this decision, but it's something that I feel is right for me now. So yeah... that's that. The decision is made. And I'm happy about it, and feel like I will hold true to it and fall more in love with it everyday, just as I did with veganism.
See, it may take me some time to figure out my stance on things and where my heart lies... but when I do figure it out, I stick with it like my life depends on it. I'm learning that it's best to do your own research and learn what you're getting involved with... and make the decision for yourself. I spent too many years following other peoples beliefs and calling them my own... living them out and being unhappy with myself... and I can honestly say that I'm just now starting to really find myself. I don't have it all figured out yet... but everyday I get a little closer. And that's good enough for me.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Mr. Napoleon Bonaparte
Since I've been roommate hopping for the past couple years, my babygirl, Goliath, usually has another puppy companion around to play with. But a couple weeks ago, my brother moved out... and with him our American Eskimo, Cloud, also moved out. So Goliath and I have been alone... and me being at work all the time... Goliath has been really alone, and really sad. She started eating the carpet by the doors to try to get out and had been crying a lot and it was just too much for me to handle. I couldn't see my baby like that, so I decided she needed a new friend.
My step mom happened to be going to the shelter last week to look at adopting a dog for herself and she started sending me pictures of all the smaller dogs that didn't have any time left at the shelter, to see if I wanted to take one in. Then all of a sudden I got a picture of a precious little chihuahua mix, who was missing an eye. Apparently, when they found him, his eye was so badly infected that it had to be removed and the infection had spread through his body and they didn't think he was going to make it. But sure enough, he pulled through, and has been at the shelter for 2 months... which means he couldn't be kept any longer. He had the collar on that means he only has 24 hours left at the shelter... so my step mom immediately offered to pay the fees to get him, if I would be willing to take him in... to which I said "Of Course!!!!" Apparently he was a shelter favorite and everyone was very happy to see him finally get a home. No one wanted to adopt him because of his missing eye... superficial people... wanting a perfect dog... I say screw that! Give me the guy that's missing an eye... he's got way more character! And boy does he have character!
So I just wanted to write a little thing about him... and show pictures of how happy he is now in his new loving home here with Goliath and I. We love him dearly and are so honored to call him our little man now.
Mr. Napoleon at the shelter...
My step mom meeting him.... and falling in love with him...
Soooo happy to finally be going Home <3
My first time meeting him! Immediate love <3
Taking him home to meet Goliath... look at that little angel.
First nights sleep in his new bed. All tuckered out from moving all day.
His first Hike up Mount Rubidoux with Goliath!
Boy, does he love Mount Rubidoux.
Hanging out in the backyard while mommy eats lunch.
Giving mommy lots of kisses! :) he loves me. I love him. And I love Goliath, duh.
And more hiking up Rubidoux. They LOVE it up there.
Welp, that's his story so far... I'm honored to call him part of my family now. And I swear on my life that I will make sure he's NEVER hurt again. <3
My step mom happened to be going to the shelter last week to look at adopting a dog for herself and she started sending me pictures of all the smaller dogs that didn't have any time left at the shelter, to see if I wanted to take one in. Then all of a sudden I got a picture of a precious little chihuahua mix, who was missing an eye. Apparently, when they found him, his eye was so badly infected that it had to be removed and the infection had spread through his body and they didn't think he was going to make it. But sure enough, he pulled through, and has been at the shelter for 2 months... which means he couldn't be kept any longer. He had the collar on that means he only has 24 hours left at the shelter... so my step mom immediately offered to pay the fees to get him, if I would be willing to take him in... to which I said "Of Course!!!!" Apparently he was a shelter favorite and everyone was very happy to see him finally get a home. No one wanted to adopt him because of his missing eye... superficial people... wanting a perfect dog... I say screw that! Give me the guy that's missing an eye... he's got way more character! And boy does he have character!
So I just wanted to write a little thing about him... and show pictures of how happy he is now in his new loving home here with Goliath and I. We love him dearly and are so honored to call him our little man now.
Mr. Napoleon at the shelter...
My step mom meeting him.... and falling in love with him...
Soooo happy to finally be going Home <3
My first time meeting him! Immediate love <3
Taking him home to meet Goliath... look at that little angel.
First nights sleep in his new bed. All tuckered out from moving all day.
His first Hike up Mount Rubidoux with Goliath!
Boy, does he love Mount Rubidoux.
Hanging out in the backyard while mommy eats lunch.
Giving mommy lots of kisses! :) he loves me. I love him. And I love Goliath, duh.
And more hiking up Rubidoux. They LOVE it up there.
Welp, that's his story so far... I'm honored to call him part of my family now. And I swear on my life that I will make sure he's NEVER hurt again. <3
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Beauty.
Today, my mother and I went to Catalina Island to celebrate mothers day... my mother was very thoughtful in deciding something she thought I would enjoy... she knows how much animals mean to me (and particularly how heavy dolphins are on my heart right now because of the current slaughter happening in Taiji) and she also knows I had never been out on the open ocean before... so she thought I would enjoy the boat ride over to Catalina. Even I didn't anticipate how strongly I would react to that boat ride. All I can say is that she could not get me to come inside the boat. I was hanging off the edge completely mesmerized by the water. And then I saw it... pods of dolphins. Swimming free in their natural environment. Outside of restrictions... away from human authority... and no where near captivity... and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My mom told me after we got off the boat that she could see the passion in my face... she could see my mind working... and that she almost cried watching me observe the dolphins swimming. My joy was uncontainable... I literally screamed the first time I saw them and teared up myself as I watched them play in the water. It was breathtaking. I could not wipe my ridiculous smile off my face for hours. And when we were on Catalina we took a submarine ride to a marine reserve and got to watch all the fish from under water. I can't even begin to explain how different, and life changing it is to observe wild marine life if their natural habitat of the open ocean. I can honestly say that my life was changed today... and I am that much more passionate about protecting any animal I possibly can. They are such intriguing beings and deserve every bit of life they have... because if you actually watch an animal... take in its movements... feel its expressions... look into its eyes... it really changes everything. I cannot view an animal as being anything less than I am. They are so much more than anyone seems to give them credit for and it fucking sucks. I love these beings. And I will stand on their side, through and through.
Helpful Hints
As a vegan, one of the most rewarding things that can happen... is for someone to tell us that we inspired them to, as well, adopt a vegan lifestyle. I can't explain how ecstatic it makes me everytime someone tells me "I got the vegan one this time" or "I checked to make sure it was cruelty free" or "I tried that _____ you were talking about." Anything like that is amazinggg. But recently something even better happened. Any convert to the "dark side" (which is actually the compassionate, loving side) is always exciting... but the most exciting to me are the extreme converts. Let me explain... When someone goes from phrases like "I could NEVER be vegan" "How do you live?! You must be starving!" "Eating vegan just sounds gross" to phrases like "I will never make fun of a vegan ever again. You're one of my hero's now" and "The more I learn, the more it upsets me that it never bothered me before." ... Seeing the light just completely switch on in someone's head. Watching their eyes be truly opened to something for the first time that they may have previously dismissed... is a beautiful, beautiful thing. People may brush off what we say when they don't understand it... but when they start doing their own research, the facts cannot be denied. And I couldn't be more pleased about the additions to this wonderful team of enlightened minds.
I often have people asking me for tips or for advice... what they can eat, where they can eat, what they should look out for... the usual questions of a new vegan. So I thought I'd make a little post just with a few basic helpful hints. Just answering some of the questions I've recently gotten. Hopefully it will help some baby born again vegans <3
First off, let me say that Search Engines and Happycow.net are your best friends! You can look almost anything up on your favorite search engine and find out if its vegan. As well as look up your area on Happycow.net and find somewhere to eat that serves vegan options no matter where you are.
FAST FOOD
Before I start talking about eating out (food! ...you dirty minded children) let me say that I refuse to eat from most fast food chains regardless of if they sell veg friendly options, for the sheer fact that they are one of the biggest reasons animal enterprise has become what it is today. I also fear cross contamination like it's going to kill me. If I can't watch you make my "fast food" I'm not going to eat it. God knows what you cooked in that oil you cooked my fries in. So they only "fast food" I will eat is...
1. Subway: The workers are usually really good about changing their gloves if you ask them politely and cleaning the knife before cutting your sub with all the last persons death meal on it. Get a veggie delight on Italian bread. (the Italian bread is the only vegan bread at subway) load that baby up with every veggie you can think of. Top it off with some Mustard, or oil and vinegar. Delish!
2. Chipotle: Believe it or not... the tortillas, black beans, rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, and lettuce at Chipotle are ALL vegan. If that's not a satisfying meal... I don't know what is.
3. In N Out: If I'm REALLY craving fries... the only fast food place I will purchase them from is In N Out. They only use vegetable oil and they do not cook anything else in the oil so you're clear of cross contamination scares!
AND ACTUALLY I am happy to say that we have a couple Vegan "Fast Food" chains popping up all over the place.... if you come across a Veggie Grill, Native Foods, or Evolution... those are all fully vegan menus!
RESTAURANTS
When going out to eat with friends or family at restaurants... a lot of new vegans fear for their stomachs due to not knowing what they're going to be able to eat or what they'll need to look out for. After a while... you become a pro at ordering out. I can find something to eat no matter where we go! What I usually look for first is a nice salad, fruits or veggies. Most places will have these sides, just make sure the salad doesn't have cheese or croutons on it. And your best bet for dressing is oil and vinegar. If you want fries or hash browns or anything like that... just nicely ask to waiter to check with the cook to see what kind of oil they are cooked in. Most places will tell you Vegetable or Canola... and you're golden! You may also want to request they use a fresh batch of oil... to ensure nothing once living was cooked in the same oil your fries were cooked in. A lot of places now have a veggie burger on the menu. Just double check and make sure it's a dairy free veggie patty and ask for a whole wheat bun (add some avocado, mustard and catchup to that bad boy and you've got yourself some tasty noms). Usually waiters will be able to work with you to find something that can be make vegan on their menu... just be polite and sweet when asking your questions and they won't get as annoyed with your dietary needs. Sometimes it actually sparks some good conversation. Make it clear that you don't eat meat, milk, butter, eggs, or honey when talking to them, because a lot of people don't understand the full extent of veganism.
GROCERY STORES
We are lucky these days to have so many health food and nutrition stores popping up out of the woodworks so if you happen to have a Trader Joe's, Clark's, Mother's, Whole Foods, Spouts, Henry's... anything along those lines... those shelves are stocked with vegan options and are often labeled with a "V" to let you know it's friendly. (Or if you're lucky like we are where I am... there's a fully vegan grocery store called Viva La Vegan and that's the BEST place to shop, hands down.) But even regular grocery stores are starting to line their isles with option us compassionate folk can partake in the consumption of. Sometimes I shop at Vons and they have a fully Vegetarian/Vegan isle with faux meats, cheeses and condiments. I know that Ralphs has something similar, but I don't shop at many regular grocery stores so I don't know the extent of their selections. What I do know though is that every grocery store has a produce section, and that's a haven for vegans. Also, a lot more vegan friendly breads are becoming readily available. Start reading labels. if there's no milk, eggs. whey, casein, etc. in it... chances are it's good to go. (and for health purposes... when reading labels... one thing to always think about... if you don't know what an ingredient is... if you can't pronounce it... chances are it's not good for you... so just steer clear.)
EVERYDAY THINGS
Bathroom items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.... Lot's of companies are starting to label their products if they are vegan. They'll put a "Cruelty Free" or a "Certified Vegan" emblem in the back of their products (a cute little bunny or a V inside of a heart). Look for that first. Also check for a "Not Tested on Animals" disclaimer... just be weary is it says "This finished product is not tested on animals" because that usually means that an ingredient in the product was tested on animals sometimes down the line of production just not the finished product.
CLOTHING
I'm going to make this simple. DO NOT WEAR LEATHER, FUR, WOOL, SILK, DOWN, CASHMERE.
There are quite a few other things to not wear... but those are the more common products on the market made from animal products. Try to buy Cotton, Polyester or Acrylic, etc.
The best piece of advice I can really offer of all though... is to purchase anything you possibly can from Vegan establishments and manufacturers. We are a small but mighty group of people and we have to be supportive of people who support us and stand beside us in this cause. So purchasing from strictly vegan places whenever possible is always a fantastic idea. Loyalty is key... if we keep these places thriving, we will never be out of reach from the food and products that we need to function in life as a happy and healthy vegan, and these options will stay available for other people to start opting to use in place of what they might be used to.
Alright... I think I'm going to take a rest now... I know I left a TON out... but there's some starter points. I mainly wrote this to help out a friend who just went vegan... so the more she asks... or other people ask... the more I'll answer. <3
I often have people asking me for tips or for advice... what they can eat, where they can eat, what they should look out for... the usual questions of a new vegan. So I thought I'd make a little post just with a few basic helpful hints. Just answering some of the questions I've recently gotten. Hopefully it will help some baby born again vegans <3
First off, let me say that Search Engines and Happycow.net are your best friends! You can look almost anything up on your favorite search engine and find out if its vegan. As well as look up your area on Happycow.net and find somewhere to eat that serves vegan options no matter where you are.
FAST FOOD
Before I start talking about eating out (food! ...you dirty minded children) let me say that I refuse to eat from most fast food chains regardless of if they sell veg friendly options, for the sheer fact that they are one of the biggest reasons animal enterprise has become what it is today. I also fear cross contamination like it's going to kill me. If I can't watch you make my "fast food" I'm not going to eat it. God knows what you cooked in that oil you cooked my fries in. So they only "fast food" I will eat is...
1. Subway: The workers are usually really good about changing their gloves if you ask them politely and cleaning the knife before cutting your sub with all the last persons death meal on it. Get a veggie delight on Italian bread. (the Italian bread is the only vegan bread at subway) load that baby up with every veggie you can think of. Top it off with some Mustard, or oil and vinegar. Delish!
2. Chipotle: Believe it or not... the tortillas, black beans, rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, and lettuce at Chipotle are ALL vegan. If that's not a satisfying meal... I don't know what is.
3. In N Out: If I'm REALLY craving fries... the only fast food place I will purchase them from is In N Out. They only use vegetable oil and they do not cook anything else in the oil so you're clear of cross contamination scares!
AND ACTUALLY I am happy to say that we have a couple Vegan "Fast Food" chains popping up all over the place.... if you come across a Veggie Grill, Native Foods, or Evolution... those are all fully vegan menus!
RESTAURANTS
When going out to eat with friends or family at restaurants... a lot of new vegans fear for their stomachs due to not knowing what they're going to be able to eat or what they'll need to look out for. After a while... you become a pro at ordering out. I can find something to eat no matter where we go! What I usually look for first is a nice salad, fruits or veggies. Most places will have these sides, just make sure the salad doesn't have cheese or croutons on it. And your best bet for dressing is oil and vinegar. If you want fries or hash browns or anything like that... just nicely ask to waiter to check with the cook to see what kind of oil they are cooked in. Most places will tell you Vegetable or Canola... and you're golden! You may also want to request they use a fresh batch of oil... to ensure nothing once living was cooked in the same oil your fries were cooked in. A lot of places now have a veggie burger on the menu. Just double check and make sure it's a dairy free veggie patty and ask for a whole wheat bun (add some avocado, mustard and catchup to that bad boy and you've got yourself some tasty noms). Usually waiters will be able to work with you to find something that can be make vegan on their menu... just be polite and sweet when asking your questions and they won't get as annoyed with your dietary needs. Sometimes it actually sparks some good conversation. Make it clear that you don't eat meat, milk, butter, eggs, or honey when talking to them, because a lot of people don't understand the full extent of veganism.
GROCERY STORES
We are lucky these days to have so many health food and nutrition stores popping up out of the woodworks so if you happen to have a Trader Joe's, Clark's, Mother's, Whole Foods, Spouts, Henry's... anything along those lines... those shelves are stocked with vegan options and are often labeled with a "V" to let you know it's friendly. (Or if you're lucky like we are where I am... there's a fully vegan grocery store called Viva La Vegan and that's the BEST place to shop, hands down.) But even regular grocery stores are starting to line their isles with option us compassionate folk can partake in the consumption of. Sometimes I shop at Vons and they have a fully Vegetarian/Vegan isle with faux meats, cheeses and condiments. I know that Ralphs has something similar, but I don't shop at many regular grocery stores so I don't know the extent of their selections. What I do know though is that every grocery store has a produce section, and that's a haven for vegans. Also, a lot more vegan friendly breads are becoming readily available. Start reading labels. if there's no milk, eggs. whey, casein, etc. in it... chances are it's good to go. (and for health purposes... when reading labels... one thing to always think about... if you don't know what an ingredient is... if you can't pronounce it... chances are it's not good for you... so just steer clear.)
EVERYDAY THINGS
Bathroom items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.... Lot's of companies are starting to label their products if they are vegan. They'll put a "Cruelty Free" or a "Certified Vegan" emblem in the back of their products (a cute little bunny or a V inside of a heart). Look for that first. Also check for a "Not Tested on Animals" disclaimer... just be weary is it says "This finished product is not tested on animals" because that usually means that an ingredient in the product was tested on animals sometimes down the line of production just not the finished product.
CLOTHING
I'm going to make this simple. DO NOT WEAR LEATHER, FUR, WOOL, SILK, DOWN, CASHMERE.
There are quite a few other things to not wear... but those are the more common products on the market made from animal products. Try to buy Cotton, Polyester or Acrylic, etc.
The best piece of advice I can really offer of all though... is to purchase anything you possibly can from Vegan establishments and manufacturers. We are a small but mighty group of people and we have to be supportive of people who support us and stand beside us in this cause. So purchasing from strictly vegan places whenever possible is always a fantastic idea. Loyalty is key... if we keep these places thriving, we will never be out of reach from the food and products that we need to function in life as a happy and healthy vegan, and these options will stay available for other people to start opting to use in place of what they might be used to.
Alright... I think I'm going to take a rest now... I know I left a TON out... but there's some starter points. I mainly wrote this to help out a friend who just went vegan... so the more she asks... or other people ask... the more I'll answer. <3
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Let's get down to Ethics...
So... a close friend of mine contacted me last week because she's doing a project for school where she has to write an advocacy letter. Her's happens to be for animal rights (though she is not an animal rights activist) so she came to me asking me for an animal rights activists viewpoint of places like Sea World... So I thought I would post my response... Now my mind is all over the place these past couple weeks... so it's not as well thought out or written out as I may have liked... but however scatterbrained it may be... it is my view nonetheless. And I am proud of my views... hence the reason to post them for the world to see... Enjoy.
Alright... where to even begin. I'm sorry Ive been so busy lately and my mind is all over the place so this might not be as well thought out or well written as I'd like. I'll keep it simple and to the point. Animals at Wild Animals parks... are just that. WILD ANIMALS. Beautiful creatures such as whales and dolphins and other cetaceans are used to, and made for life in the Open Ocean. They are used to swimming hundreds of miles in one day. Used to being able to dive down to the bottom of the ocean... but then they're moved to places like Sea World and they're in Tanks. Tanks that seem big to us... but to a 50 foot creature... they're tiny. They can only swim in circles and are only fed when they do what their Trainer wants them to... the way I see it is... how would you feel if someone took your baby from you and put them in a tiny room with glass walls... taught them to do weird acts that aren't natural to them and then only fed them when they performed properly... in front of hundreds of strangers they don't know... all for a fucking profit. Your child would be exploited, tortured and starved... all in the name of money and entertainment. God knows none of us would let that happen to our own children... so why is it ok for us to steal someone (other people may reference animals as somethings... but I prefer to call them someones) else's child and put them though that sort of life? It's a double standard and it's sickening to me. No wild animal should be kept in captivity... its not natural, its not healthy, its no way to live. One thing that animal rights activists see differently then the rest of the world... is that... in our eyes... we are no better than any other creature... therefore we should hold no authority over any other creature. Just as we would not like someone else deciding our lives, our professions, our lovers, and our deaths... how is it our place to decide those same things for other sentient, living, breathing, feeling brothers and sisters in life. And some people say it's good for learning purposes... and that's bullshit. You want to really learn about marine animals... go out to sea and swim with them... in their natural habitat. I promise you it will be NOTHING like swimming with them in captivity. Animals that are kept in captivity have so many health and psychological issues because they are so for from what is natural to them. I know all the dolphins look so happy out there dancing for your enjoyment but they're only happy because they're finally getting their meal for the day. They didn't wake up that morning and go tell their trainer what tricks they wanted to do.... they didn't tell their trainer what kind of food they wanted for dinner... they didn't tell them what other animal they wanted to be tanked with... or mated with... no... all of that was planned our for them. They have no say in their own lives and they have no freedom, until the day that they die. Which in parks like Sea World is much earlier than their natural deaths. Whales actually have quite a long life span... but in captivity usually only last like 6 years ... and that's if they're lucky. Though, I guess that depends on how you look at it... I'm sure some of them wished they were dead instead of living that kind of life. I don't know.... I guess all I can really ask you to consider is would you be willing to subject yourself or your children or your loved ones... to the same life that an animal in a park like Sea World lives? No? Alright then, obviously it's not morally ethical.
Alright... where to even begin. I'm sorry Ive been so busy lately and my mind is all over the place so this might not be as well thought out or well written as I'd like. I'll keep it simple and to the point. Animals at Wild Animals parks... are just that. WILD ANIMALS. Beautiful creatures such as whales and dolphins and other cetaceans are used to, and made for life in the Open Ocean. They are used to swimming hundreds of miles in one day. Used to being able to dive down to the bottom of the ocean... but then they're moved to places like Sea World and they're in Tanks. Tanks that seem big to us... but to a 50 foot creature... they're tiny. They can only swim in circles and are only fed when they do what their Trainer wants them to... the way I see it is... how would you feel if someone took your baby from you and put them in a tiny room with glass walls... taught them to do weird acts that aren't natural to them and then only fed them when they performed properly... in front of hundreds of strangers they don't know... all for a fucking profit. Your child would be exploited, tortured and starved... all in the name of money and entertainment. God knows none of us would let that happen to our own children... so why is it ok for us to steal someone (other people may reference animals as somethings... but I prefer to call them someones) else's child and put them though that sort of life? It's a double standard and it's sickening to me. No wild animal should be kept in captivity... its not natural, its not healthy, its no way to live. One thing that animal rights activists see differently then the rest of the world... is that... in our eyes... we are no better than any other creature... therefore we should hold no authority over any other creature. Just as we would not like someone else deciding our lives, our professions, our lovers, and our deaths... how is it our place to decide those same things for other sentient, living, breathing, feeling brothers and sisters in life. And some people say it's good for learning purposes... and that's bullshit. You want to really learn about marine animals... go out to sea and swim with them... in their natural habitat. I promise you it will be NOTHING like swimming with them in captivity. Animals that are kept in captivity have so many health and psychological issues because they are so for from what is natural to them. I know all the dolphins look so happy out there dancing for your enjoyment but they're only happy because they're finally getting their meal for the day. They didn't wake up that morning and go tell their trainer what tricks they wanted to do.... they didn't tell their trainer what kind of food they wanted for dinner... they didn't tell them what other animal they wanted to be tanked with... or mated with... no... all of that was planned our for them. They have no say in their own lives and they have no freedom, until the day that they die. Which in parks like Sea World is much earlier than their natural deaths. Whales actually have quite a long life span... but in captivity usually only last like 6 years ... and that's if they're lucky. Though, I guess that depends on how you look at it... I'm sure some of them wished they were dead instead of living that kind of life. I don't know.... I guess all I can really ask you to consider is would you be willing to subject yourself or your children or your loved ones... to the same life that an animal in a park like Sea World lives? No? Alright then, obviously it's not morally ethical.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Earth Day!
Alright, so tomorrow is Earth Day! I don't know if everyone else is stoked... but I am. Sadly, I'll be at work all day so I won't be able to participate in any events or anything like that, but there are plenty of other ways in which I will participate in the celebration of our lovely planet. So I thought I'd compile a list of small, random, easy things that anyone can do to help make even a small impact... some may seem silly... but they really do add up. Now, I'm no expert on environmentalism, and a lot of these things I, myself, have to work on as well... but I thought it'd be fun to compile what I could think of... and attempt to follow them as best I can.... and encourage others to do the same... as well as anything else they can to help impact this place.
I know I'm missing a lot of things... but my brain is slowing turning off, and that's what I've come up with. 25 simple things you can try to do tomorrow... and try to continue doing from here on out, to make whatever impact you can in saving this precious place we like to call our home. <3
- For starters... the biggest thing anyone can do to help the environment is Give up Meat and Animal Products. The factory farming industry and animal enterprises are the single largest contributor to this planets depletion. Veganism is environmentalism
- Walk or Bike instead of Drive
- Turn lights off that aren't needed
- Turn off and Unplug what's not being used
- Buy and start using a water canteen instead of plastic water bottles
- Start a recycling bin at your work or home
- Take shorter showers
- If you're a Starbucks junkie, bring a reusable cup with you
- Air dry your hands after washing, or use reusable cloth, rather than paper towels
- Purchase only Organic and Local produce
- Don't watch television, go outside and take your pet for a walk
- Wash your clothes/hands/dishes/anything... in cold water
- Plant a tree or garden
- If you spot litter... pick it up and put it where it belongs
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Take a reusable lunchpale to work, not a lunch bag
- Use tupper-ware, not plastic bags
- Use reusable bags at the grocery store
- Don't use the air conditioner or heater
- Get off the computer for a while and read a book
- Use Eco-friendly and cruelty free household and cleaning products
- Buy Less! (as Tonya Kay would say... the Non-Consumer is the Green-Consumer)
- Donate old clothes
- Don't print it if it's not absolutely necessary
- Opt to go Paperless - pay your bills online
I know I'm missing a lot of things... but my brain is slowing turning off, and that's what I've come up with. 25 simple things you can try to do tomorrow... and try to continue doing from here on out, to make whatever impact you can in saving this precious place we like to call our home. <3
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Update....
I know I was posting a bit recently about a possibility of moving across the country to go work for Farm Sanctuary... and then I never posted about what happened with that... so I just wanted to do a little personal update on what's going on in my life right now, for those that may be interested.
Seeing as how I am still here in Southern California... I, obviously, did not get the job. Last week was pretty hard on me after getting the news, but it's all sort of coming together now. I understand why I was not chosen to go work in New York, and am partially grateful that I did not get the position. As amazing as the experience would have been to live and work at an animal sanctuary.... many more opportunities are arising for me here at home, and I can see that now was not the time to leave.
A lot is changing (as my life always seems to be changing) and a lot of awesome things are coming up in my near future. Not moving across the country has given me the opportunity to continue my newly embarked on volunteer work for an amazing organization called Action for Animals. They are based outside of California. so my involvement with them is proving to be beneficial for them, since I can do events here in Southern California when they don't have the ability to fly down... as well as be great experience for me, seeing as how they are requesting that I help table some really incredible events with them such as the Animal Rights National Conference, Worldfest and Warped Tour. So I'm extremely excited about the upcoming events that I'm so privileged to be a part of, as well as continuing to find my niche here along this crazy road. All the reading I've been doing lately has really got me hooked even more in this crazy world of animal rights activism and I find myself wanting more and more to be a part of everything that's going on. Though I know I do not have that ability right now... so I'll continue to do what I can... while experiencing everything else through books and computer screens.
I hope that one day soon, I find myself at a place in my life where my entire days can be dedicated to animal rights and activism. Instead of sitting behind a desk doing work that means absolutely nothing to me, aside from being a way to pay my bills, I'd like to be sitting behind a desk, researching and reporting on issues that I care about... or organizing and participating in events that support this movement and spread awareness...
At this point in time... I honestly have no idea where I'm headed... or when I'll get to where I'm suppose to be. I know I'm not there yet... but I feel like everyday I'm inching closer to the right path... and that is good enough for me.
Seeing as how I am still here in Southern California... I, obviously, did not get the job. Last week was pretty hard on me after getting the news, but it's all sort of coming together now. I understand why I was not chosen to go work in New York, and am partially grateful that I did not get the position. As amazing as the experience would have been to live and work at an animal sanctuary.... many more opportunities are arising for me here at home, and I can see that now was not the time to leave.
A lot is changing (as my life always seems to be changing) and a lot of awesome things are coming up in my near future. Not moving across the country has given me the opportunity to continue my newly embarked on volunteer work for an amazing organization called Action for Animals. They are based outside of California. so my involvement with them is proving to be beneficial for them, since I can do events here in Southern California when they don't have the ability to fly down... as well as be great experience for me, seeing as how they are requesting that I help table some really incredible events with them such as the Animal Rights National Conference, Worldfest and Warped Tour. So I'm extremely excited about the upcoming events that I'm so privileged to be a part of, as well as continuing to find my niche here along this crazy road. All the reading I've been doing lately has really got me hooked even more in this crazy world of animal rights activism and I find myself wanting more and more to be a part of everything that's going on. Though I know I do not have that ability right now... so I'll continue to do what I can... while experiencing everything else through books and computer screens.
I hope that one day soon, I find myself at a place in my life where my entire days can be dedicated to animal rights and activism. Instead of sitting behind a desk doing work that means absolutely nothing to me, aside from being a way to pay my bills, I'd like to be sitting behind a desk, researching and reporting on issues that I care about... or organizing and participating in events that support this movement and spread awareness...
At this point in time... I honestly have no idea where I'm headed... or when I'll get to where I'm suppose to be. I know I'm not there yet... but I feel like everyday I'm inching closer to the right path... and that is good enough for me.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Green is the New Red.
As most of my friends know... I enjoy reading the way most of my friends enjoy partying. I'll do it willingly on a Friday night cozy in my bed with my puppies... while everyone else is out being crazy. I've even been known to read out loud to my pups... not because I'm expecting them to retain all the information along with me, but simply because reading aloud helps me remember what I've read (and it's just fun to read to my dogs, I admit this). Above all sorts of reading material, if you tell me that it has to do with veganism or animal rights... I'm all in and willing to read immediately. And I've read some really amazing books on said topics, but none like this. Never has a book grabbed me so intensely, that I finished it in 3 days. I work full time and never have the time to finish books as quickly as I'd like, but I couldn't put this one down. I've read books and books about the treatment of animals... the effect that their consumption has on our human health... the detrimental effects that factory farming and animal enterprise has on our planet... but I had yet to read a book about the things that people have done to take action for these movements, or the consequences that these people have been faced with.
Up until recently the only thing I ever associated with "terrorism" was the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. I had heard of nothing prior and did not keep up with much news after. I'm 21 years old and only recently have I become interested in political affairs, so my knowledge is pretty bleak. I never thought that a seemingly compassionate movement that I strongly stand beside day in and day out could be put up in the same ranks as terrorist acts such as 9/11... but it has. In "Green is the New Red" Will Potter documents numerous accounts of animal rights activists and environmental activists being labeled as terrorists and being put on trial (and convicted) for acts such as protests, leafleting, information distribution, speeches, civil disobedience, running websites, etc ... all these acts protected under the First Amendment... (and then of course the bigger issues of animal liberation acts of freeing laboratory animals, arson to animal enterprises and things of that nature). He tells of animal enterprises lobbying to further legislation and widen the gaps in passing the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, to attempt to invoke fear in these "terrorist" (whom the rest of us like to name as activists) and how people pressed on in the movement and continued their underground actions despite what the government has been doing to try to stop them (or us, depending on how you view it). It's crazy reading about all these stories of actions that have been made and deemed as terrorism... when in the history of Animal Liberation Front actions, not a single human being has ever been harmed. It's considered terrorism because the government is feeling the economic strain by an ever growing group of conscious human beings. Money, money, money... it's all anyone seems to care about anymore. Potter goes into detail about other convictions outside of animal activism and environmentalism and how they are not tied to terrorism though their characteristics are much more along the lines that most of us understand, due to physical harm being done to humans.
I wish I could explain all the points that Potter made in this book, but I cannot... I'll have to read it another couple times before I can even retain all the incredible information (not because it's difficult to understand, but because he covers so much ground). And besides... I don't want to ruin the book for other people. Honestly... it doesn't matter what your stance in on the animal rights or environmental movements... this book is such an amazing source of information on those subjects as well as how our government works these days... and it's truly mind-blowing. I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I actually kissed this book upon its conclusion. I've been a vegan/vegetarian for quite some time now but I've just recently been wanting to take that further and be able to call myself an activist... and this book doesn't scare me away from that wanting... it actually makes me want it even more. I'm proud of what the people of this movement have done and the successes they have made and the repercussions they have been willing to endure... and I hope that one day I have the courage that they do, to truly stand up to what they see as wrong and use direct action to bring about change.
Now, I find myself hungry to know more and get more informed about what's really going on. Thank you Will Potter for filling my head with knowledge and making me more aware of what I stand for and even more proud to continue standing for it.
I highly recommend that everyone read "Green is the New Red" by Will Potter and keep up with his website greenisthenewred.com
Up until recently the only thing I ever associated with "terrorism" was the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. I had heard of nothing prior and did not keep up with much news after. I'm 21 years old and only recently have I become interested in political affairs, so my knowledge is pretty bleak. I never thought that a seemingly compassionate movement that I strongly stand beside day in and day out could be put up in the same ranks as terrorist acts such as 9/11... but it has. In "Green is the New Red" Will Potter documents numerous accounts of animal rights activists and environmental activists being labeled as terrorists and being put on trial (and convicted) for acts such as protests, leafleting, information distribution, speeches, civil disobedience, running websites, etc ... all these acts protected under the First Amendment... (and then of course the bigger issues of animal liberation acts of freeing laboratory animals, arson to animal enterprises and things of that nature). He tells of animal enterprises lobbying to further legislation and widen the gaps in passing the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, to attempt to invoke fear in these "terrorist" (whom the rest of us like to name as activists) and how people pressed on in the movement and continued their underground actions despite what the government has been doing to try to stop them (or us, depending on how you view it). It's crazy reading about all these stories of actions that have been made and deemed as terrorism... when in the history of Animal Liberation Front actions, not a single human being has ever been harmed. It's considered terrorism because the government is feeling the economic strain by an ever growing group of conscious human beings. Money, money, money... it's all anyone seems to care about anymore. Potter goes into detail about other convictions outside of animal activism and environmentalism and how they are not tied to terrorism though their characteristics are much more along the lines that most of us understand, due to physical harm being done to humans.
I wish I could explain all the points that Potter made in this book, but I cannot... I'll have to read it another couple times before I can even retain all the incredible information (not because it's difficult to understand, but because he covers so much ground). And besides... I don't want to ruin the book for other people. Honestly... it doesn't matter what your stance in on the animal rights or environmental movements... this book is such an amazing source of information on those subjects as well as how our government works these days... and it's truly mind-blowing. I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I actually kissed this book upon its conclusion. I've been a vegan/vegetarian for quite some time now but I've just recently been wanting to take that further and be able to call myself an activist... and this book doesn't scare me away from that wanting... it actually makes me want it even more. I'm proud of what the people of this movement have done and the successes they have made and the repercussions they have been willing to endure... and I hope that one day I have the courage that they do, to truly stand up to what they see as wrong and use direct action to bring about change.
Now, I find myself hungry to know more and get more informed about what's really going on. Thank you Will Potter for filling my head with knowledge and making me more aware of what I stand for and even more proud to continue standing for it.
I highly recommend that everyone read "Green is the New Red" by Will Potter and keep up with his website greenisthenewred.com
Sunday, April 3, 2011
On Blitzen!
I actually cried while watching this just now.
Tears of happiness.
THIS is why I NEED to be at Farm Sanctuary.
Tears of happiness.
THIS is why I NEED to be at Farm Sanctuary.
Life is Changing...
I've never been happier than I am right now. I've never felt closer to a dream or so excited about my future. I'm starting to see that big steps actually make a difference sometimes. I finally took a huge risk for me... and it just might be paying off. Last weekend I applied for a job with Farm Sanctuary believing it was a huge longshot, that they probably wouldn't even consider me... you know, all those doubtful thoughts, but still hoping for the best and proud of myself for even taking a step like that. Well, I was very wrong, in the best way possible. They contacted me yesterday stating they wanted to interview me for the New York shelter! (Now, let me just explain that I've ALWAYS wanted to live in New York. It was my biggest dream when I was little, but I gave up on it because it just hasn't been feasible in my life) I had a phone interview yesterday and it seemed to go really well! And the woman I interviewed with informed me that she'd be in touch this week to give me more details and let me know... My heart has been racing for 24 hours straight! I can't even explain how exciting this is for me. I was barely expecting to hear from them, but I was especially not expecting to hear from them about working at the NEW YORK shelter. But I'm crossing all my fingers (I'd cross my toes too but my recent surgery makes that humanly impossible for me) and sending out the most positive energy into the universe. I feel like this experience will completely change my perspective on life. I feel like it's going to start a domino effect of me actually beginning to live how I've always wanted to. Working at something I'm passionate about and not just something that pays my bills.
I've started planning my road trip up there (yes, I'm going to drive all the way across the country from my home in Southern California, to my new home in Upstate New York)... I've already decided that I'm stopping at every "Welcome to (State Name)" sign and taking a picture (since I'll be passing through 11 states to get there, and I've never really been anywhere in the United States). I've started cleaning out my apartment... since I know I won't be able to take much. I'll be living in shared housing on the farm with other employees and interns so I won't have much room for things... which I'm actually really excited about. I often times rely too much on "things" and I hate that. I'm going to bring clothing, my writing books, my guitar, my computer and some books to read. That's it. I feel like this is going to be such an amazing experience for me to just get away from the real world for a while and just get in tune with nature. Spend time with these animals that I care so much about. Educate myself a bit and do some good writing. I want to document my time on the farm and just use my computer to skype home and see my friends and family and puppy. That's one thing I'm not stoked about... I have to leave Goliath behind (and all my friends and family too haha) but my mom is going to take good care of my baby and everyone's ready to skype me and keep me update on home life.
So depending on how a call goes later this week... my world could be Drastically changing and I should be on a road trip to New York in 3 weeks. And I'm hoping so badly that is the case.
I need this. But most importantly... I deserve this. I've been working too long just to pay my bills, it's time that I work to make me happy and support a cause that I am attached to and extremely passionate about.
So here's to living and making life everything you want it to be. It shouldn't be any other way.
I've started planning my road trip up there (yes, I'm going to drive all the way across the country from my home in Southern California, to my new home in Upstate New York)... I've already decided that I'm stopping at every "Welcome to (State Name)" sign and taking a picture (since I'll be passing through 11 states to get there, and I've never really been anywhere in the United States). I've started cleaning out my apartment... since I know I won't be able to take much. I'll be living in shared housing on the farm with other employees and interns so I won't have much room for things... which I'm actually really excited about. I often times rely too much on "things" and I hate that. I'm going to bring clothing, my writing books, my guitar, my computer and some books to read. That's it. I feel like this is going to be such an amazing experience for me to just get away from the real world for a while and just get in tune with nature. Spend time with these animals that I care so much about. Educate myself a bit and do some good writing. I want to document my time on the farm and just use my computer to skype home and see my friends and family and puppy. That's one thing I'm not stoked about... I have to leave Goliath behind (and all my friends and family too haha) but my mom is going to take good care of my baby and everyone's ready to skype me and keep me update on home life.
So depending on how a call goes later this week... my world could be Drastically changing and I should be on a road trip to New York in 3 weeks. And I'm hoping so badly that is the case.
I need this. But most importantly... I deserve this. I've been working too long just to pay my bills, it's time that I work to make me happy and support a cause that I am attached to and extremely passionate about.
So here's to living and making life everything you want it to be. It shouldn't be any other way.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Big Steps!
So, I'm the kind of person who lives a very comfortable life. I work really hard to supply myself with sufficient money to sustain my life, pay my bills... etc. Taking risks is something I do not do. I wish I did, but I have this overwhelming fear of uncertainty... and it really hinders my adventurous sides want to experience life. Welp, I've been getting pretty sick of letting fear take over my life, and I decided that I needed to start doing stuff that will actually make me happy, not just keep my bills paid. So, for the first time, I put myself out there. I know it's a longshot and I know it may be wishful thinking... but it's still a HUGE step for me.
This past weekend I was notified that Farm Sanctuary had seasonal positions available... (and I've been planning out the next couple years of my life in order to take time off work to do an internship at Farm Sanctuary)... so seeing that they were hiring... I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. I spent a couple hours deciding if it was feasible and trying to figure out what I would do if I miraculously got the job... and then I stopped thinking all together and decided to, for once in my life, not worry about how it was going to work out... and just fucking go for it! I spent 2 hours filling out the application trying to make it perfect, so that they might see something promising in me. I want this job so badly, I can't even begin to describe what it would mean to me, to live on an animal sanctuary for 6 months and work directly with rescued animals and just be in that compassionate environment away from the rest of life's worries. Stop caring and worrying about myself for once and put all my focus on something I'm extremely passionate about.
So I did it. I applied for a job that I actually want. Something that will make me genuinely happy... not just something that's going to keep me financially happy. I don't know if I even have a shot in hell, but I'm going to hope for the best and be proud of myself for taking a step like that. I'm even preparing myself, just incase I do get it. Deep cleaning my room out and getting rid of everything I don't need and everything that's holding me down. I'm sick of feeling stuck in one place because of material objects weighing me down. So I'm changing that. Getting my life in order so that I can leave at any given moment, if an opportunity arises, and take it.
I'm so proud of myself and I couldn't be more happy or anxious. I feel like getting this job... would spark a whole new flame in my life. Get me going on the right path. Because I feel like if I do this... I won't be able to come back home and get settled back in with corporate america again. I know my heart won't let me do that if it realizes that there are other ways to get by.... and actually be happy doing it. So this is a start of something new and exciting.
Good luck, self. You deserve this. You owe it to yourself. Start taking risks and living life the way you see it in your heart... not the way you see it in your mind. <3
This past weekend I was notified that Farm Sanctuary had seasonal positions available... (and I've been planning out the next couple years of my life in order to take time off work to do an internship at Farm Sanctuary)... so seeing that they were hiring... I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. I spent a couple hours deciding if it was feasible and trying to figure out what I would do if I miraculously got the job... and then I stopped thinking all together and decided to, for once in my life, not worry about how it was going to work out... and just fucking go for it! I spent 2 hours filling out the application trying to make it perfect, so that they might see something promising in me. I want this job so badly, I can't even begin to describe what it would mean to me, to live on an animal sanctuary for 6 months and work directly with rescued animals and just be in that compassionate environment away from the rest of life's worries. Stop caring and worrying about myself for once and put all my focus on something I'm extremely passionate about.
So I did it. I applied for a job that I actually want. Something that will make me genuinely happy... not just something that's going to keep me financially happy. I don't know if I even have a shot in hell, but I'm going to hope for the best and be proud of myself for taking a step like that. I'm even preparing myself, just incase I do get it. Deep cleaning my room out and getting rid of everything I don't need and everything that's holding me down. I'm sick of feeling stuck in one place because of material objects weighing me down. So I'm changing that. Getting my life in order so that I can leave at any given moment, if an opportunity arises, and take it.
I'm so proud of myself and I couldn't be more happy or anxious. I feel like getting this job... would spark a whole new flame in my life. Get me going on the right path. Because I feel like if I do this... I won't be able to come back home and get settled back in with corporate america again. I know my heart won't let me do that if it realizes that there are other ways to get by.... and actually be happy doing it. So this is a start of something new and exciting.
Good luck, self. You deserve this. You owe it to yourself. Start taking risks and living life the way you see it in your heart... not the way you see it in your mind. <3
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Animal Liberation.
I need to stop buying new books. I think I have an addiction. I need to finish all these books I've already ordered... but I keep coming across more books on Vegan Living and Animal Rights and I simply want to know everything I can... so I continue to purchase.
As of right now, I'm reading Animal Liberation by Peter Singer. Now let me start by saying how difficult it was for me to get this book. I looked in so many books stores and no one had it. At one store the girl even told me that they don't carry books of "that nature." WHAT?! You don't carry books on Animal Rights?! I found that to be rather absurd! Why any store would sensor such an important topic is beyond me.
But anyways... I've gotten through the chapter on Laboratory testing... and just as the whole book is going to, it broke my heart. Most of the test performed on animals have no relevance to human nature at all, won't help us in any way, and simply just torture these poor helpless creatures. It sickens me that this can be called science and the people who practice it can be considered esteemed and vital pieces of the human puzzle. America needs to catch up with other countries and get more regulation on laboratory testing, because most tests are plain unnecessary. God, it's sickening.Other countries have ethics boards that consider the possible benefits of the testing against the welfare of the animal involved. If the benefits will truly be greater and mean more than the harm done to the creature, the test will be approved but if it will not benefit and if the test has been done before and is no longer needed, it will be denied. And countless lives have been saved through this process (not as many as we might like, but anything helps. Yeah I wish I had faith in the abolitionist approach, but I believe that progress is progress. Abolition sounds fucking fantastic... but it's a lot harder to achieve, so I'll take what I can get, where I can get it.)
Now, I shall read on to the Factory Farming chapter... which I'm sure is going to be a lot of information I already know, that will, like the chapters prior, break my heart. As hard as these books are to read... they keep me motivated and inspired to fight for this cause. If my heart is truly breaking from words on a page... shouldn't I be willing to stand up and speak out about it? Shouldn't I be willing to do something about it?
Off I go, to fill my head with more heartbreaking knowledge that I hope one day becomes part of our History, and is no longer part of our Current Culture.
As of right now, I'm reading Animal Liberation by Peter Singer. Now let me start by saying how difficult it was for me to get this book. I looked in so many books stores and no one had it. At one store the girl even told me that they don't carry books of "that nature." WHAT?! You don't carry books on Animal Rights?! I found that to be rather absurd! Why any store would sensor such an important topic is beyond me.
But anyways... I've gotten through the chapter on Laboratory testing... and just as the whole book is going to, it broke my heart. Most of the test performed on animals have no relevance to human nature at all, won't help us in any way, and simply just torture these poor helpless creatures. It sickens me that this can be called science and the people who practice it can be considered esteemed and vital pieces of the human puzzle. America needs to catch up with other countries and get more regulation on laboratory testing, because most tests are plain unnecessary. God, it's sickening.Other countries have ethics boards that consider the possible benefits of the testing against the welfare of the animal involved. If the benefits will truly be greater and mean more than the harm done to the creature, the test will be approved but if it will not benefit and if the test has been done before and is no longer needed, it will be denied. And countless lives have been saved through this process (not as many as we might like, but anything helps. Yeah I wish I had faith in the abolitionist approach, but I believe that progress is progress. Abolition sounds fucking fantastic... but it's a lot harder to achieve, so I'll take what I can get, where I can get it.)
Now, I shall read on to the Factory Farming chapter... which I'm sure is going to be a lot of information I already know, that will, like the chapters prior, break my heart. As hard as these books are to read... they keep me motivated and inspired to fight for this cause. If my heart is truly breaking from words on a page... shouldn't I be willing to stand up and speak out about it? Shouldn't I be willing to do something about it?
Off I go, to fill my head with more heartbreaking knowledge that I hope one day becomes part of our History, and is no longer part of our Current Culture.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
MEATOUT 2011!!
Alright, I know I'm a few days late... but I've been really busy and really sick! :( no good! But anyways... I'm just going to recap how our Meatout event went. Sadly, I live in southern California where people get scared and run for cover if it starts spinkling... so the rain put a slight damper on the event... But overall we feel it went really well. The people that did come were very open to hearing what we had to say, everyone LOVED the Primal Jerky strips and Jokerz and Twilight Bars! And the most interesting part to me was that most people were more interested in the literature we had to offer than the food we had for them to sample. I was expecting people to come and just want to take food... but people were genuinely interested in the cause we were there for. Which in my eyes, was the best thing we could ask for. If even one person wanted to listen to us... I would have felt it was a successful day, but a lot more than one person listened, and a lot more than one asked questions. It was really rewarding. We took pictures and I made a little video of the event. I only taped the first portion of it because I got into talking to people and just forgot to keep recording. So here's the video... Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8haFAnG9Hw
<3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8haFAnG9Hw
<3
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Senses!
It's so interesting to me how my taste buds and senses have been changing right along with my diet over the years. When I was an omnivore ... what 7 ago?... I liked the taste of meat, I liked the smell of eggs and cheese, I hated eating unsalted or unroasted nuts... I loved manufactured, unhealthy, cruetly ridden, bullshit excuses for food. They were what tasted good to me because they were what I was use to. Granted I've always loved fruits and veggies, but I liked these other things as well. Then I found myself as a vegetarian and the sight of meat was repulsive to me... the smell of it grossed me out... then I found myself as a vegan... suddenly disgusted by one of my favorite things in the world... cheese. The sight of it makes me want to vomit, the smell makes me cringe... yet it use to be part of my daily menu... now I've been vegan for some time and over the years have started eating healthier things... and now I find myself preferring raw foods. I won't eat salted or roasted nuts anymore... simply because they don't taste good to me anymore (though the health benefits are a plus). I just realized that I eat avocados, without salting them now... simply because I prefer the taste. It's as if every healthy step in the right direction also has an impact on my senses... I start wanting and craving things much better for me because all this manufactured and processed crap just isn't appealing anymore... and I love it. :)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Meatout is almost here!
In finding out about Meatout back in January, I immediately knew that I wanted to partake in this event and do whatever I could to be a part of it. (Meatout is a worldwide vegan awareness and animal rights event... where vegans all over the globe, give out free samples of vegan food and distribute information as well.) I had all these big plans and ideas of what I was going to set up and how great it was going to go... and then in trying to put these plans into motion, my lack of event planning knowledge put my imagination in its place. A lot of the ideas we wanted to do, we can't, due to not getting permits or insurance in place early enough on (lesson learned for next year). So we changed our plans and thought it would be easier to do the event on the local community college's campus... but they won't let us serve food on campus due to us not being in a club... all these restrictions were dimming mine and my friends spirits and we didn't think we were going to be able to do much of anything for Meatout... until we decided to just register anyways and see what we could do. Lucky for us, the amazing people at FARM USA found a loophole in our citys permits codes and now we're in business! It's a bit short notice and it's not going to be exactly what we wanted... but we are getting to do something now! 2 events even! We got a small grant through VegFund to purchase some food and Action for Animals donated tons of information packets and stickers and brochures for us. Everyday we get a little more figured out and get a little closer to our events. And I'm really excited! I've been vegan for a while but haven't done any action.... this begins that change! :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Oh Life...
I went my whole life thinking that I was going to end up in this one particular place. I thought that music was the only thing I had going for me in life. That it would be the reason I woke up everyday. That it would be what pays my bills. When I was younger (I say that like I’m old… by younger I mean 11 through 17), I worked really hard to try to get there… yet I never really figured it out. I never got anywhere with it and over the past few years… I kind of stopped caring. I lost my drive… I lost my passion… its almost as if I lost my love for it. Though, I know that isn’t true. I love music with everything I have in me and it will always be a huge piece of my life… but moreso than not lately… it kind of feels like its just something I happen to be good at… not what I really want out of life… and that realization is life altering to me… its weird going your whole life thinking you’d walk down this one path and end at this specific destination… and then one day you wake up and realize you’re somewhere you’ve never been before… and you’ve never felt more at home in your life. That moment, when life just shifts and you realize… you’re exactly where you are suppose to be and doing exactly what you are suppose to be doing… despite the fact that it was not part of the plan. Life’s so beautiful in that way… you never know what’s going to come and sweep you off your feet… you never know what’s going to come along and steal your heart right out of your chest. One day it all just sort of clicks and you realize that you have it figured out. I guess I’m lucky that I found that sort of clarity at such a young age… but it’s insane to me. I always thought music would be where I would go… and yes, it’ll be there… I’ll continue to write and play along the way… but I know it’s not what’s going to fuel me in life. I have a new fuel. It’s always been a source of energy and life for me, I’ve always cared and been passionate about it… but for some reason… the clock stuck 2011 and my world shifted… and it’s all I care about now. My entire focus has switched over to vegan living and animal rights… I want everything I do and everything I own in life to represent and reflect everything I stand for… and I stand for the voiceless. I feel like I finally found my place. Though I feel like a religious nutcase half the time… like a newly born bible thumper or something… but I’m preaching about something I CAN see. Speaking out and acting upon these horrors that I can’t fathom to sit back and do nothing about. So I’m sorry if I sound preachy… I apologize if I’m a little too much for your liking… but… I’m sort of not sorry at the same time… I’m saying what I feel needs to be said… and doing what I feel needs to be done… in the hopes that one day it will make a difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” - Margaret Mead
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” - Margaret Mead
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Be Vegan for my Birthday!!!
Alright... so... the only thing I'm asking of my friends for my birthday is that for this ONE day... everyone eat a vegan diet, as a gift to me and my animal friends. Some people completely surpassed my hopes and actually switched to veganism this weekend and I cannot explain how happy I am because of that. But since so many people have agreed to go vegan for the day, yet don't know what to eat... I decided I should probably share some wisdom since most of my friends have no idea what to eat. I promise, it's easy =)
As some basic information.... a Vegan diet.... means NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS
this means no meat, dairy, fish, eggs, honey, etc.
First off, obviously any fruits, veggies, nuts, beans (so long as they arent cooked with lard or pork) are all good easy and readily available choices.
Also, if you're looking to get food out on the go... Subway and Chipotle are my go to guys.
At Subway order a Veggie Delight on Italian bread (make sure it's Italian. That's their only vegan bread). Just get it without Cheese and don't get any Mayonnaise on it. You can get all the veggies, mustard, red wine vinaigrette, oil and vinegar.
At Chipotle, you can order a veggie burrito with Black Beans. (No pinto beans... those have pork in them) Also, their rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, salsas, and lettuce can all be put in that burrito, because they are all Vegan friendly.
You can also go to In-N-Out and get French Fries. Most fast food places have "vegan friends" but I don't trust them due to cross contamination... so I stick with company's I trust.
If you go out to a restaurant, Just make sure to check that things are cooked with Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil instead of lards and greases. When eating out, most breads are not vegan friendly, check to see if they use Whey, Milk, or Eggs in their breads... or just kind of steer clear of breads for the day, because a lot of places don't know if their breads are vegan friendly.
If you go to the store and want some good fixins... get some Tofurkey and Veganaise for a nice sammich.... maybe even get some Daiya or Tofutti cheese if you're feeling dangerous!
If you like pasta... just make sure to eat Whole Wheat pasta (at home or out at a restaurant... most of it's vegan friendly)
If you are a Starbucks addict... get your regular drink just substitute the milk for Soy, or ask the barista... they're usually pretty knowledgeable of what can go in Vegan drinks.
Lots of asian food places have tons of vegan options... so those are always a good choice, Thai especially.
You can also use resources like www.happycow.com and search for vegan friendly places in your area.
I know there's tons of other stuff... but this should help for the day. If anyone finds that it isn't too difficult and they want to keep it going.... I would be more than happy to share ton's of more information with you.
So pleaseeee, just for today (unless you want to go longer then Hell Yeah!!!) eat fully vegan for me... but mostly for the animals <3
Thank you, I love you all.
As some basic information.... a Vegan diet.... means NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS
this means no meat, dairy, fish, eggs, honey, etc.
First off, obviously any fruits, veggies, nuts, beans (so long as they arent cooked with lard or pork) are all good easy and readily available choices.
Also, if you're looking to get food out on the go... Subway and Chipotle are my go to guys.
At Subway order a Veggie Delight on Italian bread (make sure it's Italian. That's their only vegan bread). Just get it without Cheese and don't get any Mayonnaise on it. You can get all the veggies, mustard, red wine vinaigrette, oil and vinegar.
At Chipotle, you can order a veggie burrito with Black Beans. (No pinto beans... those have pork in them) Also, their rice, veggie fajitas, guacamole, salsas, and lettuce can all be put in that burrito, because they are all Vegan friendly.
You can also go to In-N-Out and get French Fries. Most fast food places have "vegan friends" but I don't trust them due to cross contamination... so I stick with company's I trust.
If you go out to a restaurant, Just make sure to check that things are cooked with Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil instead of lards and greases. When eating out, most breads are not vegan friendly, check to see if they use Whey, Milk, or Eggs in their breads... or just kind of steer clear of breads for the day, because a lot of places don't know if their breads are vegan friendly.
If you go to the store and want some good fixins... get some Tofurkey and Veganaise for a nice sammich.... maybe even get some Daiya or Tofutti cheese if you're feeling dangerous!
If you like pasta... just make sure to eat Whole Wheat pasta (at home or out at a restaurant... most of it's vegan friendly)
If you are a Starbucks addict... get your regular drink just substitute the milk for Soy, or ask the barista... they're usually pretty knowledgeable of what can go in Vegan drinks.
Lots of asian food places have tons of vegan options... so those are always a good choice, Thai especially.
You can also use resources like www.happycow.com and search for vegan friendly places in your area.
I know there's tons of other stuff... but this should help for the day. If anyone finds that it isn't too difficult and they want to keep it going.... I would be more than happy to share ton's of more information with you.
So pleaseeee, just for today (unless you want to go longer then Hell Yeah!!!) eat fully vegan for me... but mostly for the animals <3
Thank you, I love you all.
Bold Native.
This evening I went to my brothers work (local coffee shop called Back To The Grind) to attend a Vegan Potluck and movie viewing. I'd heard about the movie prior to going... but didn't know too much about it... though I'm always stoked to see a good film about animal liberation... I was most stoked about awesome vegan food. That quickly changed... yeah the food was awesome... but the movie... Utterly life changing. It's called Bold Native (www.boldnative.com)... and its about an animal rights activist who's wanted by the fbi for "terrorism" and is coordinating a nationwide action against corporations who make their buck by exploiting, torturing, and murdering animals. Though the film itself is fiction... its accurate in every sense of the word. The filmmaker was there tonight discussing the film and basically explained that each character more represented an ideal rather than an actual person from the Animal Liberation Front. Regardless of if you're an animal rights activist or not, vegan or omnivore... if you have an ounce of love in your body... a hint of compassion somewhere... this movie will move you. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone see it. It will challenge your current lifestyle and make you think. And hopefully for a lot of you... it will ignite something in your heart.
"Bold Native is not a person. It's an idea - That animals are not property. They are not ours to use. They are an end unto themselves. Their freedom is beautiful, and their slavery is a horror."
"Bold Native is not a person. It's an idea - That animals are not property. They are not ours to use. They are an end unto themselves. Their freedom is beautiful, and their slavery is a horror."
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Vegan Goodies.
So let me just start this off by saying that being vegan... going to parties isn't exactly the most exciting thing when it comes to tasty treats, because most people don't bring vegan goodies when there's only going to be one or two vegans there. Welp, my friends are the most incredible people in the world because I got to my party and my friends Mom had made me a beautiful batch of vegan cupcakes, my best friend Briana had made me another batch of vegan cupcakes, and my lovely friend Erin made vegan brownies. All the chips at the party were vegan friendly, and we had fruit platters. Oh! and my friend Jayda made vegan jello shooters for me! And every little bit of it was absolutely delicious. I could not have been happier. All my friends made yummy vegan stuff for myself, and the rest of the people at my party to enjoy. Not only was I stoked that I had so much great stuff to eat... but almost everything at the party was Vegan.... therefore... everyone was eating vegan (until someone showed up with KFC... which did not make me happy in one bit) and that brought upon some amazing conversations that I got to embark on with a few interested parties. Everyone got to experience amazing vegan baking, which made everyone a little more open to veganism and interested in hearing about it. There were 3 or 4 people that I actually had full on, amazing conversation with, who were genuinely interested in what I had to say and had great questions for me to answer. It was such an amazing experience for me. And let me add that everyone thought the vegan baked goods were delicious and we've been eating them all weekend.
And then, so add onto all this... my friends and I took a little trip out to Venice beach yesterday, and the guys were telling me I could find a vegan place to eat for lunch and they'd eat vegan with me! Granted they ended up getting pizza, but the fact that they offered was incredible. And we walked by a set up of animal rights materials and I was offered to come back and do outreach with the man running the set up. =) what an incredible weekend.
And then, so add onto all this... my friends and I took a little trip out to Venice beach yesterday, and the guys were telling me I could find a vegan place to eat for lunch and they'd eat vegan with me! Granted they ended up getting pizza, but the fact that they offered was incredible. And we walked by a set up of animal rights materials and I was offered to come back and do outreach with the man running the set up. =) what an incredible weekend.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Need
http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/Bungalow360-Whales-Vegan-Wallet.aspx
It really is a matter of Need. Not want. <3
It really is a matter of Need. Not want. <3
Monday, February 7, 2011
Books books and more books.
My library is getting better by the day. Though I am in need of new books to read, I think I'm going to reread most of these to do my own little write ups on them. :) but I am currently reading The China Study... which I am very excited about. I shall share my thoughts when I am finished. :)
The Vegan Girl's Guide To Life
So, I just finished reading The Vegan Girl's Guide To Life by Melliser Elliot... and it was a very pleasant read. Unlike a lot of books I've read that focus on one main aspect, either the nutritional side of veganism or the animal welfare side of it, this book covered just about everything. From the basics of veganism and what it means, to nutrition, to facts on the factory farming industry, to recipes, to crafts, to information about other vegans, and companies... it's got a little bit of everything. But due to the amount of topics she covers... Melliser Elliot doesn't go as far into detail on some things as one might want... but as a basic overview... its a great book with a lot of useful information! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can't wait to try some of the recipes and crafts!
Vegan Freak!
At the age of 14 I went on an East Coast trip with my 8th grade class, where I fell in love with a pig and vowed never to eat meat again (and to this day… I still haven’t)… and 5 years later I came to the realization that consuming dairy and animal by product was still contributing to the horrific industry of animal exploitation. So a little over a year ago I did my research and filled my mind with information and finally made the switch to being a full fledged Vegan. And as most of my friends know, I was (and still am) very passionate in my choice of diet and lifestyle. I say lifestyle because Veganism is not just a strict diet that I follow… it is truly a way of life for me. It goes beyond what I eat… into the shoes I wear and the shampoo I use… the soap I wash my body with and the makeup I put on my skin. It goes as far as the company’s I’ll buy products from and the corporations I refuse to even be seen in the parking lot of. It’s undoubtedly (along with music) the most prominent part of my life, seeing as how it is something I stand for every single day with every single choice I make. But it’s not something that I force upon anyone else or try to shove down peoples throats. Just like religion, I see it as a personal choice that I have made that may not be someone else’s cup of tea. (Though I do believe the world would be a much better place if animal exploitation and consumption was off the map)
Seeing as how I am one of the only vegans that my friends know… I tend to be the person people go to for random trivia and interesting information (usually pertaining to veganism), and lately I’ve been getting a lot of random questions again. And in my natural character of wanting to have all the answers… I decided it’s time to freshen up on my vegan know-how and knowledge so that I can once again have some good intelligent debates. And maybe win over a few hearts in the process. So, I purchased a few more books to add to my collection. Last night I started reading one called “Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World” and I cannot even explain how inspiring this book is. If I weren’t already vegan… I would have converted by the 15th page… and if I were to ever stray and think about eating animal products again… I’d just need to turn to this book for encouragement and good reason to stay on course with my current lifestyle. There are so many good points and pages I wish I could quote, but all I’ll say is that it’s a book everyone should read. It’s puts Veganism in the most beautiful light and just shows that we are compassionate people who won’t stand for suffering in our name. It’s re-igniting my passion in a way I can’t even explain. Reaffirms my idea that what I’m doing is right and nothing should sway my convictions. And nothing will. I am proud to be part of a movement that “is the expression of this desire for justice, a visceral and logical reaction to the horrors visited on others in our name”. I really don’t mind being a freak if “normal” is eating and causing suffering and death to innocent, sentient, beautiful creatures. I have never been more proud to call myself a Vegan. Thank you, Bob and Jenna Torres for re-igniting my flame.
Seeing as how I am one of the only vegans that my friends know… I tend to be the person people go to for random trivia and interesting information (usually pertaining to veganism), and lately I’ve been getting a lot of random questions again. And in my natural character of wanting to have all the answers… I decided it’s time to freshen up on my vegan know-how and knowledge so that I can once again have some good intelligent debates. And maybe win over a few hearts in the process. So, I purchased a few more books to add to my collection. Last night I started reading one called “Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World” and I cannot even explain how inspiring this book is. If I weren’t already vegan… I would have converted by the 15th page… and if I were to ever stray and think about eating animal products again… I’d just need to turn to this book for encouragement and good reason to stay on course with my current lifestyle. There are so many good points and pages I wish I could quote, but all I’ll say is that it’s a book everyone should read. It’s puts Veganism in the most beautiful light and just shows that we are compassionate people who won’t stand for suffering in our name. It’s re-igniting my passion in a way I can’t even explain. Reaffirms my idea that what I’m doing is right and nothing should sway my convictions. And nothing will. I am proud to be part of a movement that “is the expression of this desire for justice, a visceral and logical reaction to the horrors visited on others in our name”. I really don’t mind being a freak if “normal” is eating and causing suffering and death to innocent, sentient, beautiful creatures. I have never been more proud to call myself a Vegan. Thank you, Bob and Jenna Torres for re-igniting my flame.
Human Encyclopedia
I can’t stop purchasing Vegan Informational Books. I’m going to be a human Vegan Encyclopedia pretty soon, I swear. But I don’t mind that at all. I actually would love to be as informed and knowledgeable as all these writers. If I could one day possess the knowledge to write a book on being Vegan… I would be complete. I feel like I go through phases of what I want to be gung-ho about… what I want to focus on… or be informed of… but veganism, still to this day can hold my interest more than anything. I can read books and books on it… I can have conversations about it all day… I can win debates like nobody’s business and hold my own pretty well in it. I know that music is what I want to do with my life… but I feel like animal rights and vegan living is just as big in my life and I would like to pursue it as more than just my lifestyle… I’d like to make it a forefront… maybe try to get a job or internship with a vegan corporation… or something like that… I haven’t got it all figured out just yet… but I’m thinking about it. I’ve been reading a book right now that’s incredible… but there are SO many grammatical errors in it that it’s driving me insane. I want to write the publication company with a copy of each page with my editorial notes on it and see if anything changes. I feel like I could be good at that… like I could enjoy that a lot! Especially if its for a vegan publication company… because I’d be learning while working. I didn’t go to college though, and I never planned on going either… therefore I don’t think I could ever really get an editing job… I can dream though right? Haha. I want to do something though… start a local group… get connected with people with my same beliefs and lifestyle choices… actually do something more than just live it myself… Something. I don’t fully know what yet… or how… I just know I want to do something. And I will… It will work out exactly how it’s suppose to… when it’s suppose to.
Farm Sanctuary
About a year and a half ago, when I was vegetarian and just starting to do my research before switching to Veganism, I came across some information about Farm Sanctuary in the book I was reading. I was immediately drawn to their campaign and thought that what they were doing was absolutely incredible. They rescue animals that are injured and neglected “products” of the factory farming industry, and give them a new home, where they are truly cared for without exploitation in any way. Since I came across this organization, I’ve been wanting to road trip it up to Orland, CA and visit Farm Sanctuary, meet the remarkable animals and the amazing people who run the farm, I just haven’t had the opportunity yet. Welp, I decided it’s time to make it happen. I’m planning a trip up there in May to go take a tour of the facility and just experience the farm in general. While I was looking up information on how to go and visit the farm… I found myself looking at the Intern/Job section of the site and realized I was actually seriously reading the requirements to intern or apply for a job with Farm Sanctuary and I realized that I really want to go experience and internship. So that is my goal now. I need to work my ass off to get my credit cards paid off and some bills taken care of while saving money so that I can survive without work for a couple months. I need to strategically plan when I would start my internship for when I end a lease with my apartment so that I won’t have to worry about rent. I’ll need to have money saved to pay for food while I’m in Orland, along with money to pay my cell phone, car and insurance, and a storage space for all my shit back at home. I have a lot of planning to do, because right now I can’t chance leaving my job… but I’m hoping by next year I’ll have my finances in better order and be able to start doing these things I actually want to do. So I’ve got a loooot to think about and start planning and saving for. I WILL be interning at Farm Sanctuary by next year, for at least 3 months. It WILL happen. There’s obviously a lot of things I want to do in the meantime… but I feel like I really need to work for this and make it happen for myself. I feel like it could be a truly life changing experience, spending 3 months with animals who, had they not been rescued, would be food now. See how they’re lives changed thanks to people who actually cared.
In the meantime, some friends and I are going to plan a Meatout 2011 event, I plan to do volunteer work with a couple organizations, along with other things… but the whole time I’m going to getting myself prepared for this internship. I’m too anxious, I just want to get it all planned out now!
In the meantime, some friends and I are going to plan a Meatout 2011 event, I plan to do volunteer work with a couple organizations, along with other things… but the whole time I’m going to getting myself prepared for this internship. I’m too anxious, I just want to get it all planned out now!
Complaint to CPK
So, CPK just took their only fully vegan entree item off their menu… and I will not stand for it! Help me stick it to the man! Feel free to use my letter to them (with your own changes obviously to make it from you) to contact them showing disappointment in this atrocity! Even if you aren’t vegan… imagine if your favorite thing on a menu was removed… oh, and it was one of the only things you could eat at the establishment in the first place… feel our pain and write in. Thank you <3
“I’ve been an avid CPK goer for many years, and have always been more than pleased with the service and the food. This is rare when eating out seeing as how I eat a fully vegan diet. But your company caters to my dietary wants and needs… so it’s never been an issue when going to your establishments. Yet I was recently informed by a friend who works with CPK, that my favorite item on the menu was removed. The Grilled Vegetable Salad. In general, this salad was absolutely delicious… but on top of that… it was the ONLY ENTREE ITEM ON THE MENU (that’s not including soups) that was fully vegan and did not require any removal or substitution of ingredients. Yes, there are other items that can easily be made vegan, but that was the only safe bet, seeing as how it was always prepared without any animal derived ingredients (therefore making vegans more comfortable in eating it). I find it heartbreaking that the only fully vegan entree item on the menu was removed, and this will definitely hinder my wanting, and others of my same lifestyle, to go to your establishments, when we’d normally be beyond thrilled to go due to the shown care for our dietary wants and needs. I commend your company in having options for people with dietary limitations, but I have to express my deep disappointment in this choice, and would like to know what I would need to do to convince your company to bring back its only (and best, in my opinion) fully vegan entree item to the menu. I’ll provide a petition if I have to… anything. I just want you to know that a Vegan customer is very unhappy about your company’s choice to remove the Grilled Vegetable Salad from the menu. Thank you for your time, and I do hope you take these points into consideration and at least ponder the idea of revoking this removal. “
“I’ve been an avid CPK goer for many years, and have always been more than pleased with the service and the food. This is rare when eating out seeing as how I eat a fully vegan diet. But your company caters to my dietary wants and needs… so it’s never been an issue when going to your establishments. Yet I was recently informed by a friend who works with CPK, that my favorite item on the menu was removed. The Grilled Vegetable Salad. In general, this salad was absolutely delicious… but on top of that… it was the ONLY ENTREE ITEM ON THE MENU (that’s not including soups) that was fully vegan and did not require any removal or substitution of ingredients. Yes, there are other items that can easily be made vegan, but that was the only safe bet, seeing as how it was always prepared without any animal derived ingredients (therefore making vegans more comfortable in eating it). I find it heartbreaking that the only fully vegan entree item on the menu was removed, and this will definitely hinder my wanting, and others of my same lifestyle, to go to your establishments, when we’d normally be beyond thrilled to go due to the shown care for our dietary wants and needs. I commend your company in having options for people with dietary limitations, but I have to express my deep disappointment in this choice, and would like to know what I would need to do to convince your company to bring back its only (and best, in my opinion) fully vegan entree item to the menu. I’ll provide a petition if I have to… anything. I just want you to know that a Vegan customer is very unhappy about your company’s choice to remove the Grilled Vegetable Salad from the menu. Thank you for your time, and I do hope you take these points into consideration and at least ponder the idea of revoking this removal. “
I Need Friends!
I really want to get more connected and involved in the vegan community. I find it really sad that I’ve been vegan since 2009 (and vegetarian since 2004) yet I only personally know 4 people who partake in the vegan lifestyle. This past weekend I went to a grand opening of a vegan grocery store and it seemed like everyone knew eachother there… yet I didn’t know anyone. And I want that to change badly. It would be nice to have that kind of support and just people to converse with about the topics that interest me that my omnivorous friends aren’t so interested in. I can’t wait to get off work and start networking.
All Natural, Organic, Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies!
Alright, so I think I've made it pretty clear that I'm a strong Vegan. I think I've also made it pretty clear over time... that I LOVE food, but I DO NOT cook. I've never been a cook or a baker, even prior to being Vegan... so starting my cooking exploits in the Vegan realm, I thought, would be twice as difficult. Thank goodness I was wrong!! I've been doing so much reading lately about Veganism and one thing the books always say is that one of the best ways to get people to accept your Veganism and maybe even switch over... is to cook delicious food for them, so they can see that its not difficult to have good meals and treats as a Vegan. And I've always been super bummed, thinking I'll never get to do that, due to not being a good cook... Welp, today I had my first baking experiment... to bake Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies. And let me just say... they came out INCREDIBLE! I don't have many Vegan friends... so I had my non-Vegan neighbors, and brother try them... and they were a Huge hit! Everyone loved them! I went to give one to my neighbor Angel and her boyfriend took half of it and after eating it asked me if he could have more! I was so thrilled! Everyone loves a good cookie every once in a while, so I'm excited to start baking and cooking... Maybe I can open up some minds to the idea of an alternate way of eating. Here, these cookies came out delicious yet they don't have any milk, eggs, or even sugar in them! Cookies aren't necessarily good for you in a health sense... but these are much better for you than most other cookies, and they come free of guilt, harm, and suffering. Compassionate cookies are the best kind of cookies and I'm beyond excited now to start my cooking adventures!
So here was adventure number 1: Compassionate Peanut Butter Cookies <3
So here was adventure number 1: Compassionate Peanut Butter Cookies <3
Hello!!
Welp, I've been blogging for a while on tumblr... somethings about my vegan life but mostly it's just been a place to write about how I feel each day. But as the days go on... my world seems to get a little more revolved around my veganism... and I want to have a place where I feel absolutely safe in strictly writing about it, my adventures (as I plan to start advocating my beliefs), my food (I'm just learning how to cook, so I'm often taking pictures of my food or cookies), the books I read (it seems like I'm reading a new book every week, so I want to start reading and reviewing books on veganism/animal rights), places I go... anything and everything that goes along with my vegan world. So here we go. I'll probably go back and add the posts from my other blog, just to get started. :) <3
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