I Am The Flash

Hey Folks,

It's been a few days and there has been some adventuring, so it's about time to report it. I'm going to start with an event that started back in 1989. I'm talking of course about the Montreal Massacre that saw the deaths of 14 women and injury of many others at Ecole Polytechnique. And so on December 6th of every year, there are ceremonies promoting the end of Violence Against Women. Men wear a white women to show their support of ending this. There were several speeches, one by our President Sean Riley, another by Student's Union VP and good friend Marc Rodrigue. The one that struck me the most, however was from a student with our Coady Institute here on campus. It was a quote that just smacked me in the forehead with it's power, "Violence against women does not happen by accident. It is by design.' Such a powerful line, rocked me to the core.

It was a very solemn and respectful ceremony. Myself and my friend Natalie lit a candle in honour of a girl who has gone missing. Candles were lit for all of the women who died in the Massacre and for several others who have been killed because they were women. We then 'passed on the light' as everyone in the audience lit candles in support of passing along the message and becoming active in eliminating violence - emotional and mental as well as physical - against women.

From there I had lunch with my friend Kiva-Marie. We ate up at the Tall and Small, each getting a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Hers with Tomato and Pesto and mine with Green Onions and Peppers. Both coming with salads. I ate most of the salad as well, despite my generalized dislike of the dish. Well - it's not that I don't like salads, its just the vegetarian association with them. Like all we do is eat salads, when that's SO not true.

Anyway - we had lunch and it was tasty, had some good conversation and then headed back to campus. The next day I had an exam so I had to study, and our group from Environment and Society had a study session that evening. Oh my god - half the time we were just making jokes about the Prof and laughing at the random stupid things we would wind up saying. Studied for about 3 hours together and had a great time.

I believe the exam went well. I wrote for about an hour and a half, and did the questions to the best of my ability. There was never a point where I went "I have no clue what this is asking me" So I feel confident about it. Next up, Humans and the Environment next week. Should be fun. Several of us are getting together for a studygroup on Tuesday

Last night was a pretty fun night. Myself, Maureen and Tricia went down to New Glasgow to go see some of our friends perform. They're musician's who often do Open Mic night's here in town. We went down to give them some hometown support. Before we went there though, we hit up Zellers and the Mall. It was hilarious times. The three of talk a lot so for the car-ride and in the malls we just steamrolled each other over and over again in our conversations.

At Bluenotes I was able to get 3 new shirts for $10. Which is good because as I've lost weight all of my clothes have become stupidly baggy on me, so I needed some shirts that fit better. My favorite is the one with The Flash on it. lol. I saw it and just had to have it. They also had one with the Joker but I opted not to get that one. I wore The Flash shirt to the gig. There are several photos of me posing with it.

Anyway... the three of us (well two of us - Maureen was DD) had some drinks and ate some potato skins and listened and danced to some fun music. Tricia even got up and sang which was exciting for us. She has an excellent voice so it all worked out really well. I wish I could remember some of the quotes.

Except for the Potato Skins.... which I am hurting for today. Let it be known throughout the World that I slipped last night. On the Potato Skins came Bacon Bits - and wow. I don't even know how to describe. The guilty pleasure of it all. I felt like crying while eating it, but it was SO good. For all who are now afraid and curious, I'm still remaining a vegetarian. I just had a bit of a slip. I was hungry and they were there, and there you go. And I assure you, I'm paying for it today. My stomach hurts like you would not believe. And its not that 'I had a few too many beers and my stomach hurts' kindof thing. Its nearly crippling cramps (I exaggerate, its not that bad but its still painful) that have me basically under house arrest today.

So that's been my adventuring for the last few days. Supported the struggle to end violence against women and went and saw a show that has left me with pines in my digestive track. Ah well, I'll make it through.

Cheers all

Coo Coo Cachoo

I am the Eggman - or Here's to you Mrs. Robinson, whichever you prefer. Or if you have no preference, listen them both and enjoy.

It's been a long time my dear devoted readers, and I apologize. Life, papers, etc. seem to get in the way sometimes. But I am back, and though it might no longer be a daily, I will be communicating once more. Mostly about the exam period, my time stuck here in Antigonish until Dec. 24th (I fly home quite early on Christmas Morning) and then how my Christmas as a Vegetarian fares, back home amongst the family and friends.

What's been up with me? Well, tonight I went and saw 'Across The Universe' a movie inspired by Beatles songs that takes us through occurances with a group of people of different backgrounds in New York City during the Vietnam War. any more than that and I'll spoil it - So go and see it. It is quite brilliant.

I'll tell you right now though, halfway through I nearly left the theatre to come on here and do a post apologizing because it was so tempting to pack a bag and leave for New York tonight. As your can tell, I didn't - but I'm a romantic like that. Belief in the impossible adventure - disappearing somewhere and completely immersing oneself in something new. I've established my vegetarianism, time for something new. lol.

Other than that it's been all work and school. Not getting proper sleep, generally up til about 4 AM, writing papers and reports and generally conversing with other folks like myself staying up til all hours of the day and night. You get used to it - though I can't wait to get back on a proper sleep schedule. It'll be quite nice.

I have 2 exams - one next Saturday, and the other on the 11th, plus a paper due Wednesday and another one due on the 13th. So still quite the workload - plus I'm going back to work full time (if they'll let me) until the 24th. Gotta make the money - and to be completely honest, though I may complain sometimes, I really do enjoy my job. It's low responsibility, the people are great, and I get a thrill out of customers. I enjoy helping when I can, joking around, talking about the weather. All that fun stuff.

Speaking of weather - December 1st we got a snowstorm and it's a winter wonderland out there. First time I've seen significant snow this early in a LONG LONG time. Makes me feel good - like the Earth might not be so screwed after all and we can still do something about it. As far as we've gotten, I do believe there will still be significant change, but perhaps its not absolutely too late, as the doomsday theorists would have us believe.

It's been a year now since I received my x-ring. I'm currently cleaning it actually - getting it ready for the big occasion. A lot of my friends from Harlow are getting there's tomorrow and I'm very excited for them. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get into the party, but I wish them all the best, and will be celebrating no matter where I wind up. I remember this time last year, the night before and the morning of, being so excited. I could hardly think. Jay and I started drinking early on in our room, and it just continued from there. The four of us who received our X-Rings in England have dual recognition as the first official x-ring ceremony outside of Antigonish, and the last to be held in a chapel. a very prestigious honour.

Although now, remembering my X-Ring speech, I can't help but smile. I'm going to paste it in for you guys to read. A bit of backstory first. We ordered our rings, and built the situation that allowed us to get them shipped over. Peter Clancy and Marc Rodrigue, who took the initiative to plan our ceremony were taking care of everything. What happened next was staggering. One of our rings got lost. And so they wouldn't send any if they didn't have the fourth. It was touch-and-go for a while, but they found the 4th Ring and shipped it fast as they could, so that the four rings arrived the night before the ceremony. Because of the situation, our guest speaker and guest alumni from London had actually offered to let us use their x-rings for the ceremony and pictures so we would still be able to have the ceremony properly. The rest is explained in my speech:Left to Right: Drew, myself, Jessie and Jay. The X-Ring Recipients

I had considerable trouble writing this speech. I just couldn’t find the right words, the right phrases to express my feelings about X, the ring and the Xavarian family. Then, the situation with our rings occurred, and I saw symbolism in their journey. It was very similar to the journey we take as students when going through at StFX.

First, the rings had to be ordered. This is similar to applying to University. Some did this later than others, filling out applications, doing paperwork and appointment after appointment. We pay out a ridiculous amount of money, and then we wait. I’m sure everyone recalls the months in Gr. 12 or 13, waiting for that acceptance letter, wondering whether they made the cut.

Finally, after months of waiting, we get accepted into University. We are confirmed and ordered and are sent out to find our places. This is where the next leg of the Ring’s journey takes place as well. Some of us get lost. Like the fourth ring, some of us don’t find our place so easily.

And this is where the Xavarian spirit and family make their entrance. It is when we get lost that everyone pulls together to make sure we get found again. Fellow students, Professors, Alumni and even the general community band together to help us find our way. It may come in the form of an influential professor, a powerful guest-speaker, fellow students raving about a program, joining societies or through the use of one of X’s excellent help centers. The Counsellors, Wellspring, the Writing Centre, etc. And so like us, the missing ring was found and could begin its journey.

But that’s just the beginning. From here we need to actually get to our destination. As the rings needed to get from Canada to here, we needed to get to X-Ring and Graduation. Once again, the people of X go out of their way to help. The best professors foster an environment where a student feels comfortable meeting them regularly, to bring their concerns or even calling them at home if there’s an issue. Many allow themselves to be addressed on a first-name basis and take the time to learn our names as well. I know I’ve had drinks with more than one over the course of my education, and I’m sure many of you have as well.

The friends you meet are also an important part of the journey. Personally, I don’t know if any of us would get through without the support of our peers. Notesharing, signing each other into class when one of us sleeps in, setting up phone-chains to make sure we all get up for those ungodly 9 AM exams. When you’re pacing the halls, freaking out over that paper that just isn’t getting written, you can always count on finding someone who will hit up Timmy’s with you so you can get your mind off the stresses for a while.

And the community at large holds the X-Spirit for us as well. It was so moving to find out, when there was a chance that our rings might not make it, that London Alumni selflessly offered up theirs so we could at least have rings for the ceremony. People who are involved with the airlines were pulling strings to make sure they’d get here on time. It seemed, no matter what snag came up, there was someone with an X-Ring, and even some without, ready to lend a hand. Contacts from both sides of the ocean working together for such a little, but important thing. It is truly a compelling story, which has wound up with an almost movie-like happy ending. And it makes me beam with X-Pride, knowing that I’m a part of it and only hope I’ll be able to help future generations like yours have helped us.

Thank you. (end)

Reading this back sure does bring back some good memories. We had a fantastic party afterward, and it was a ceremony dedicated to the four of us, which I know made us feel so special and so loved. A couple of the Newfoundland boys wrote us a song, Lee sang 'In My Life' by the Beatles for us. They even compiled a couple of slideshows of our adventures in England, including some embarrassing ones with me and my blue hair. We even headed to the Marquis, our local pub, and had some drinks with the locals. They were surprised at us all dressed up, but it was great.
The Harlow Crew, celebrating with us

I think I'll close there for tonight, on a positive note. I want to throw a shout-out to Carly Wignes as well, who reads the blog and my column who made a point a couple weeks ago. She responded on how I seemed to be more of a health promoting kind of guy as opposed to a vegetarian, which is true. You can eat all the steak you want, so long as you're healthy about it. lol.

Cheers all and happy St. Francis Xavier Feast Day to all. It's bigger than Christmas, I assure you.

I'm Still Alive

Hey folks,

Just a quick update to let you all know I'm still alive. I'm in the height of paper season, and so all of my writing talent and creativity is being poured into that facet of my life, and the blog is suffering as a result. More frequent posts will be coming back soon, I promise.

Vegetarian-wise I'm still going strong. Even had them alter the menu for the Staff Party Christmas Dinner so that they would have a vegetarian alternative. Vegetarian lasagna, and I hear the caterer is quite good, so yum :). I also consider it a small victory. Now, I just need to call up my sister and make sure she remembers that I will require a vegetarian alternative at her wedding. lol.

In a future post I'll be ranting on about toxic chemicals and their solutions, which is the theme of the paper I'm working on at the moment, but for today I'm going to spare you that - since any talking I do on the subject should be put into the paper.

Other than that, not too much going on in the life. Papers and work have kindof taken over. Like I said before, just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive

Cheers all

Quick Update

Just a small thing relating to last night's post.

The Green Party, in polls of voter intention has surpassed the NDP and is now ranked 3rd as Official Parties in Canada.

Now, it's time to get her into the debates. Its my hope that you'll all click here and read about how through an email and letter campaign we can force this TV Consortium to allow Elizabeth into the Leadership Debate. Personally I've watched the debates in the past, and I've heard Elizabeth speak at a couple of guest lectures, and I can tell you - she'll shake things up if she gets her voice in the debates.

I'm normally not this politically active, but hey - let's shake things up a bit. Get some change going. Who says we need full-out social and economic collapse to see real change? Let's break the apathy and get started. Even if you aren't a Green Supporter, I would suggest shooting off a quick email to get her into the debates, to allow for fair democracy to take place. She deserves to have that podium in order to lay down the Green Platform - if anything, it will help destroy the ignorance and misconceptions that many people still have regarding the Green Party.

Anyway, I won't take up any more of your time with this. Just check it out, see what you think.

Cheers all

Think Globally, Act Locally, Think Locally, Act Globally.

The four things we need to do in order to save our planet.

Sounds complicated right? Well, it is and it isn't, and then it is again. As you can tell, this blog is going to be a bit confusing. lol. I'm going to be talking about some Green Issues and good ideas that are important to me and are going to be important political platforms in the next election.

I'll start off by talking about how I wound up at a nice pub dinner with Elizabeth May, Leader of the Canadian Federal Green Party. Though she's really more of a spokesperson as the Green Party isn't structured like other Canadian Political Parties. There's no 'right' or 'left' to them. Like myself, there's a sense of 'In order to maintain the economy, you need a living planet to keep it going.' When thought about it this way, the environment is actually a pretty key issue, underlying everything else.
(Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party. I would've had a picture with her, but I still can't find my camera.)

Anyway, so we had a dinner with Ms. May (technically Dr. May, but even she talks about how the honourary doctorates feel a bit like cheating, lol. I've chosen to keep calling her Elizabeth, as I felt that kindof first-name connection from her. I wouldn't go so far as to call her Liz, but you never know, in future dealings, perhaps we'll get to that comfort level. lol.). and it was a series of discussion. It was a square table, so Phil and I were talking to a lovely couple who drove Phil down and are grassroots supporters of Elizabeth and the Green Party and have been quite active in Central Nova, where Elizabeth will be running for MP in the next election. Some of you may recall she ran in North London a couple years back in a bi-election and nearly got in. Which would have been exciting as I come from the riding just south of it (Elgin-Middlesex). But that has nothing to do with the current topic. Besides which, I probably would have never met her had she won there. Instead, now she's here near our academic community, which has provided several options to hear her speak and finally to actually meet her and discuss a few things.

Her talk tonight was on how to make policy local. Basically, ground-up efforts organized first by the community, surrounding their issues, and building up towards a multi-departmental, provincial-federal collaborative approach to dealing with these issues. Whether through proper policy or some other Government action available to us. Seems like a pipe-dream right? Well, in some ways it is - but in more ways, its makes so much sense it is ridiculous that we haven't been doing this all along. Especially when we have evidence of HUGE screwups with our antiquated, top-down policy regime. The Atlantic Cod stocks for example. The policy didn't match what was happening on the ground (in the ocean in this sense) Big Business had the Government's ear and was steering the ship, to the ultimate destruction of the Cod Stocks and the industry as a whole, collapsing an entire economy. You can't tell me that's good for business.

I also want to show how the Green Party isn't just a bunch of tree hugging hippies. While there is a fair amount of tree hugging (trees get lonely too), May did an excellent job at conveying how the idea of being Green branches out into the policy of basically every department and beyond. Just to take from her example, one of the Party Platforms is to rebuild and make better the train infrastructure in Canada, in order to relieve pressure from the Highways. It would do this through mass transportation (which from personal experience, riding the rails is a fantastic way to travel), taking more trucks off the road for shipping, easing traffic, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by taking so many cars and trucks off the road, while only adding a handful of train engines who's unit output of toxins may be higher, but when taken overall their net effect on the environment would be lower than that of those people and cargo individually in cars. Socially, it also has an effect. On those long journeys, you're bound to make a friend or two sitting beside you, or in the dining car over a meal.

Where to move from this? Oh yes. Little known fact time: Did you know, that Lucien Bouchard, founder of the Bloc Quebecois, was actually Minister of the Environment under Mulroney - and quite progressive at that. When brought through controversial environmental situations, apparently his first question was always "What's best for the environment?" Showing a truly fantastic focus on what a politician in their own department should be looking at. How does this effect what I'm doing? He was also the Minister that introduced the first climate cap.

Anyway, back to local governance after those tangents. Basically, it brings the idea that if you build policy from the ground-up the less you can ignore bad policy, because the people that live there and have their lives staked in a living, breathing community are going to tell you if something isn't working or that it will threaten their way of life. It promotes slower decision making, but those decisions made work out better for all parties involved.

I could talk about all of this for hours, but I don't want to rant on too much. Mostly, this kind of governance works like a living organism - and if we think of ourselves as living organisms, both as seperate human beings, but also part of the greater creature that is our planet we can see that these ground up approaches are really the way to go. More local control over what is happening in our own communities can serve to enrich us all and maximize our potential as humans on this Earth.

Suffice it to say, Elizabeth's talk was fantastic, and if you ever get a chance to hear her speak I would suggest taking that opportunity to hear a very eloquent speaker whose ability to communicate the Green message is phenomenal, as you can tell she deeply believes in her cause.
So nothing really about vegetarianism tonight. Not really much to say, things are going well, had a nice lunch and dinner. Moreso I figured I'd take this opportunity to talk about some of my political leanings and ideas, as this is my blog and I can talk about whatever I want. lol. Though, really - when you think about it - Vegetarianism, which for me has evolved into animal rights, which connects to human health and agriculture, which attaches to resource management and the environment. It all kindof snowballs. When you become activist on one point, it follows suit that the others will begin to connect as well because its difficult to be enlightened on one subject while remaining ignorant of all those that interconnect with it.

Well that's it for me. I'm going to leave you with a quote from Elizabeth

'The fault isn't in your inability to understand politics, the fault is in politics inability to understand reality."

Cheers all

'I Tried to think of the one thing that couldn't possibly destroy us...'

Hey folks,

I need a new opening line: Maybe even a new title for the blog to better represent what I talk about. I'm opening it up to suggestions, see what people think.

This week, I wasn't so impressed with the column I wrote. Next week I need to get back into top form and write a better one. This one deals with nutritional supplementation in a vegetarian or vegan diet. Which I think is important information to get out there to people, but for next week's article I want to dive back into things that are centric around Antigonish and really connect again with the ideas that revolve around being a vegetarian in smalltown Nova Scotia.

Anyway, that's about the column. And I love blogging as compared, because I can rant on endlessly, there's no need to really censor myself to remain unoffensive or not extreme, and my grammar doesn't have to be as good. Though good grammar is sexy, for anyone who was wondering.

The one main point of this post however is a harsh lesson learned. I went 20 days without eating animal product (excluding the occasional something with egg or milk product in them - as its hard to avoid). Moreover, basically I cut out red meat entirely, while also not eating chicken or eggs directly and I'm making progress in cutting them out more and more. But anyway, I went 20 days of the 21-day challenge (which ended Friday by the way, I'll talk more about that afterward). It was on the 21st day that I received a huge lesson. And if there's anything that Ghostbusters has taught us, it is that Marshmallows are the root of all evil. That's right - the one thing that thwarted me on this vegetarian journey wasn't roasted chicken, or a burger, or even a beautiful porterhouse steak - it was a marshmallow. For those of you who are now thoroughly confused, let me tell you about gelatin. Gelatin is a kindof gooey product that is placed in many desserts as a kindof thickener and make-jiggly-er, as in with jello. Gelatin is made from animal bone and tendons - most often cow or pig. Which makes it animal-product, especially that of the red meat animal variety. You can imagine the thwarted feeling I had after eating a marshmallow first, before reading the ingredients. And so thus, the marshmallow, as proven by Ghostbusters, is an evil, terrible thing disguised in puffy deliciousness.

But aside from that example, I completed my vegetarian challenge, and let me tell you, it feels good. It doesn't feel good to be over - in fact it's continuing - it feels good that I accomplished the challenge and am really feeling better in my life. I'm healthier, I've lost weight, my attitudes towards most things are better, I've met a wonderful girl, and everything seems to be coming up Millhouse (err... Adam). It is truly amazing what a change in diet can do for someone. And all it is, is considering the food you eat, which really isn't all that difficult. After 3 weeks I hardly have cravings for meat anymore, and when I do its mostly for chicken. Red Meat doesn't even hit the radar anymore.

I also figured out that Amira is quite clever. As most of you know, when I started this, my body went through a phase of "What the hell are you doing to me?!". Well, now that three weeks have passed, I look at what my diet used to be, and what it is now, and the changes that would have to take place to go back there, and think my body would probably go through many of the same, if not worse, pains. And I'm not a big fan of unnecessary pain. Plus it would require another very expensive grocery shop, when my cupboards are now stocked and prepared for a vegetarian diet. Now, I don't know if Amira did this kind of timing on purpose, or whether its just happenstance and I'm making odd connections, but I would suggest that if she does this again next October that someone who reads this blog take up the challenge and become Vegetarian for 21 days. Next time around, I'll be going Vegan (if I don't before that point).

Speaking of wonderful ladies in my life, I went over to Nadia's place last night (that's her name) and made us a dinner. A curry dish, comprised mainly of potato, with green pepper and green beans as well. It wasn't the best I've ever made, and was missing tomato, which I felt was crucial, but it was good nonetheless - and as always I made too much, and so I think made a good impression on the roomates as I fed them as well. It's always important to get in good with the roomates. One of them is from my hometown of St. Thomas actually. The famous Danielle who I keep confirming and denying eats babies here on the Blog.

I want to toss up a recipe, and give a shout-out as well though. One of the best discoveries I've found so far, is that bananas can be used as a substitute for eggs in some baking recipes. I made some oatmeal cookies tonight and they were fantastic. Props has to go out to www.vegweb.com and Satan, who submitted it (Hey - he might be the devil, but he has good cookie recipes. I'm not here to judge). You can find the recipe here. And let me tell you, they are fantastic. I added walnuts to the recipe and would've added caramel or butterscotch chips if I had any. My roomate gave them a try as well and said they were very good. "They feel healthy" was an exact quote from her. They are absolutely delicious and scrumptious and everything else. Made me fall in love a little bit with baking. Which is interesting because I'm not much of a baker. Anyone who's ever seen my cooking style will know I don't tend to measure and am actually quite erratic around the kitchen.

Oh, a retraction from the last post on my blog. This is regarding Kayleigh, whom I referred to as Pat's lovely lady. I'd just like to say right here right now, that this is by no means a sexist or prejudiced column and I accept everyone as their own person. Kayleigh, you are of course your own woman and a lovely lady in your own right. As Pat said the other night "I don't own her". Which is very true. Anyway, just had to put that out there. Hope this makes amends Kayleigh.

... And remember: To destroy the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, cross the streams of your proton packs in order to close the doors of the Sumerian Gods who are trying to destroy our World.
Cheers All

Afternoon Delight

Hey folks,

You might get two updates today, as I'm doing the first in the afternoon and you never know what work will hold.

Its been a few days yet again. I meant to post last night, but I had gone out to Open Mic night with some friends down to the Pub. As always, we had a great time. Tricia was out for the first time in a long time, so it was fantastic to see her, and several others were also out, which made the night that much more enjoyable, and they ate wings while I watched longingly. lol. just kidding - I find myself less and less attracted to meat - holding reservations only about having given up fish and chicken - and from some recent reading on how chickens are raised, I'm not 100% sure I want to go back to eating them either. And as for fish - as many of you know, I'm an Aquatic Resources Major, and thus know all about the terrible practices that revolve around fish farming and bioaccumulation of mercury in salmon, etc. It seems, when it comes to meat and animal products (eggs, milk, etc) I can't escape unethical practices unless I go and hunt it myself.

Which brings up some ideas (this idea just dawned on me, so bear with me as we figure it out together). In my Humans and the Environment class we've been discussing protected areas, conservation areas, etc. On top of this, looking at the different classifications and allowable human impact in some of these areas. Things like Integrated Resources Management, the elimination of clearcutting and the overall mawy of Natural Resources, for all of its foibles in the past, and like any ministry, has its flaws, really holds some of the most ethical practices when it comes to animal and plantlife. With a primary focus on sustainable management and the protection of species in their natural habitats, as opposed to zoos and arboretums, it is a model that works out so much better than our established agriculture practices.

This is all brought up because of the false idea that to be organic is to be ethical. Organic Farms all over the place are still cramming in more animals, keeping them in unnatural conditions (keeping thousands of chickens in close quarters, who never see the light of day and go mad)(thanks to Vegetarian Organic Blog and The Arcata Eye). Often, these large corporations who were until very recently producing standard animal products, have done the bare minimum to be considered 'organic' while missing the point entirely. The whole idea of being organic isn't just having hormone and antibiotic free eggs at any cost. The standards of organic should grow beyond, taking in elements of animal rights and natural processes, such as allowing hens to raise their own chicks, not keeping them in incubators. I don't know about anyone else, but I think I'd be a little screwed up too if I never met my mother and was kept under heat lamps all the time.
In short, we should all start demanding that farming practices not only become organic, but also apply a strict code of ethics on how animals can be treated. If I may rant on about cows and milk again (I know I do this nearly every day - but that's how much it irks me) Cows being injected with hormones and being fed genetically engineered feeds in order to increase milk production - initial studies by Monsanto (not a very reputable company) said it had no adverse effects on humans, but what about the cows? They can produce up to 15% more milk, but the cow is the same size. To me, it seems like really having to pee, then drinking an extra litre of water. It would be painful and uncomfortable. Why can't we allow these animals, who deserve the same amount of rights that we do, be natural and coexist without being exploited?

Anyway, that is my rant and moral dilemma for the day. On to other news, I just had my 2nd meeting with Amira, and am on day 20 of this 21-day challenge. Officially one more day of vegetarianism before I'm allowed to go back to my carniverous ways. However, I'm not sure I'll be going back to those ways. This whole experience has been so great, and so much has happened in these three weeks that I feel it would be unfair, both to my readers and to myself to just jump ship on the vegetarianism and healthier lifestyle and go back to the way I used to be. I also consider the fact that my body has now adjusted to this kind of lifestyle and food structure, and to go back would probably be extremely painful on my digestive tract.

My 2nd Article for the Xavarian Weekly is published, where I deal with the trials and tribulations of grocery shopping as a vegetarian. I would suggest picking up a copy and giving it a read. People seem to really be enjoying the articles, which again makes me happy. It feels like this decision is not only bettering myself but also helping others and bringing to light our connections with food and how it can impact our daily lives.

Well that's about it from me for this session. Perhaps I'll have something more this evening after work. We'll see what the Lumber Industry has to say about things

Cheers all

Bees are People Too

Hey folks,

Well its been a crazy few days, so sorry to my faithful readers about not putting up any new posts. It happens though, and never fear, I will always come back to give updates on what's going on.

Alright, well where to start? Go from now and work backwards, or try to recall what was going on a few days ago? I know. I'll start on my 2nd Grocery Shop. Went to the grocery store Friday night after doing some recon at lunch Friday afternoon (a working day, so I spend my lunches at the grocery store a lot) and became very disillusioned at the lack of healthy vegetarian options in the frozen foods section. There are no vegetarian hungry man meals, and I was a hungry man. Felt very misrepresented. In the end I found a vegetable penne from President's Choice Blue Menu, and some vegetable chow mein.

And so I ate the chow mein for lunch, which wasn't all that bad, then had the penne the next day for lunch which was actually quite tasty. but that gets me off of my causal track. Back to the grocery shop Friday night. It went well and was much cheaper than the first when I had to buy all of the condiments and everything first. Excited about my new sea-salt and pepper mill and my Szechwan Sauce. Found a couple of new fruits that were interesting. A starfruit and dragonfruit. Odd looking things that were expensive, but I might invest next time if I can figure out what the heck they are. I decided on a new type of bread, as the last brand wasn't quite me. This one is a flaxseed bread and so will carry lots or iron and protein as well - which is always a good thing. Have to keep those levels up. Other than that, mostly just the usual produce and almond milk and a couple of other fixin's. Oh - and I feel guilty about it, but I bought a box of chocolate chip cookies. I felt so bad, actually, that I ate a couple and have given the rest to my roomates to finish off. They were quite pleased.

After the shopping and putting away of groceries I wrote my 2nd article for the paper (the 1st has been received quite well, which was exciting for me). This one pertains to grocery shopping and certain do's and don'ts for people trying to be more vegetarian, with a few tips on how to wash produce and what's more important when it comes to buying organic. I have a nice little rant about milk in there as well. Following the article I went and spent some time with friends over in New Rez (a residence on the campus I live at) and had a very lovely evening in the company of fantastic people.

Saturday started off like any other Saturday. Work, lunch, work, home. I had intended to stay in and watch the Jungle Book but was dragged out by Nadia, whom I met through Danielle (who eats babies, as reported in previous blogs) to a pre-X-ring party. It was one month til X-Ring yesterday, and so all the seniors were out to celebrate. I already have my X-Ring from last year, but it was fantastic to be out nonetheless.(In Picture, left to right: Myself, Natalie and John)

I suppose I should explain X-Ring for those of my readers not familiar. For those that get it, feel free to skip over this part and go on to my rating of Bee Movie. The X-Ring is a ring that 4th year students of my University, St. Francis Xavier University, receive on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3rd). It's of very simple design and is the 3rd most recognized ring in the World, after the Pope's Ring and the NFL Ring. It is a very big deal to us, and is part of an ages long tradition. It solidifies us all into the Xavarian Family and connects us to all others with X-Rings all over the World. It's not uncommon to run into someone in Paris or Rome with an X-Ring and strike an instant friendship with them over a simple piece of gold. It is a networking tool, but it is also a symbol of accomplishment. It carries a weight of authority to it as well, as it is something earned through four years hard work. And we're nuts over it. We have countdowns as far back as first year, anticipating the day when we get to walk up onto the stage and get our Ring. The party afterwards is also quite fantastic, as we on the East Coast definitely know how to throw a good party.

Anyway, so that's the X-Ring. On to my review of Bee Movie.

Today was just another Sunday as per usual. Knitting Society, studying, chatting with roomates - but with an exception tonight. Nadia and I decided to take in a movie, and as we have a one-screen theatre, Bee Movie was the movie of choice tonight. I for one enjoyed it. Jerry Seinfeld made a solid main character, with the supporting characters adding levels of hilarity throughout. Matthew Broderick as his best friend Adam (seen below), John Goodman as the old-timey Southern Lawyer, Renee Zellweger as his human love interest and Patrick Warburton(of Seinfeld and Family Guy fame) as her boyfriend it provided a lot of laughs, but also a significant message.

SPOILER ALERT

I know from reading review sites that it's important to say I might give away plot secrets. The whole story revolves around Barry, who enters the human world because he's just graduated college (hardest 3 days of his life) and is now supposed to enter the workforce. He winds up talking to a human and through a series of events discovers that humans have been cultivating honey from bees in an inhumane fashion for generations. He then decides to sue humanity for the honey that has been wrongfully stolen.

The court case that ensues and his later victory bring about important ideas and critiques about environmentalism, animal rights and resource management. to continue using the movie as example, a prime point of Barry's case is the fact that the bees in industrial hives are forced to smoke so that humans can steal the honey. This is seen as inhumane and unnatural to a bee's proper way of life.

It really brings a face to critique current practices when it comes to animals and even plantlife. The way that humans, as a species (not pointing any fingers here), generally exploit the natural world, not really thinking about the wider ramifications. We use indiscriminately and don't consider the damage we're causing to the surrounding ecosystem. Barry learns this lesson quickly when his actions lead to the bees being rich in honey through reparations, but because they have so much, they no longer need to work to produce honey, and all flowers and plants begin to die because pollination ceases to occur.

This can be expanded into arguments in our lives as well, looking at current farming practices, which don't allow the animals to act naturally, to culturing special plants to meet our own ends, which are reliant on chemicals that are contributing to the destruction of our planet. It is a movie that really points out that a natural system, where we cooperate with nature, is a system that we can maintain sustainably and really bring profit and wellbeing for all involved.

Well that's my rant on the movie and its messages. I don't want to stay on my environmental high horse for very long. lol. But I will say this - the final scene, where Barry is giving legal advice to a Dairy Cow really hit the spot, as most of you know my stance on the Dairy Industry as a whole.

Anyway, that's about it for me for tonight. I would suggest going and seeing the movie and thinking about some of these ideas.

Cheers all

... There They Are, Standing in a Row/Halloween Blogness

Well folks, its been a couple days and I suppose I should update.

The last two days kindof blur together with the lack of sleep. Stayed up for approximately 24 hours from Wednesday to Thursday.

#1. The Costume. Took me three days to design and build. A cardboard box robot that, I daresay, kicked ass. Put together and set forth upon the World, I'd say if there were contests to be entered, I would have won. I call it "The Adamtron: We Come in Pieces. Some Assembly Required. Batteries Not Included." Everyone loved it, and I daresay I may take the original design and improve on the model for next year.

#2. My people. Went and drank with a group of people, many of whom I didn't really know. Others I knew, so it was a good mix. They were done up to be Peter Pan and the Lost Boys (and Tinkerbelle was in there too, along with the Crocodile, aka Judy) and Conor was Conor from The Boondock Saints. And out to the bar, it was great times dancing and carrying on - even if my costume wound up destroyed and in a corner by the end of the night. But it lasted most of the night, so I'm not overly saddened. The Adamtron fulfilled its purpose. There were three other robots out there, but I daresay I was the best - many others agree if you hop over to facebook and read the comments. And it was overall a fantastic night - we watched some Shawn of the Dead, we had some drinks, went dancing, and when we got back even watched the Princess Bride. Which is a fantastic movie by any ratings.

A couple pointers for when you want to build a robot costume however. Make sure that the torso box is no wider than your chest minus the shoulders. My shoulders wound up inside and it greatly diminished mobility. Also - design your helmet/headpiece for optimum vision. I hadn't, and had to be led around and have drinks placed in my hands the entire night. If your mobility and sight are impaired due to the costume, make sure you're with trustworthy people who won't abandon you. I thankfully had a good crew who kept me safe from falling down stairs and getting lost in lines. Though a warning: A large box is used by the people to push and bulldoze through lines - and inside the box, you have little control.

Now, I must reach back to the coconut. I told you before that there was some controversy over it. And its true - the coconut is high in saturated fat. At least the milk and the meat is. The water is fine and actually quite thirst-quenching apparently. But the meat, and the milk (that is created with the meat) has saturated fat - which is technically bad for you. Now the health benefits however, really almost balance the equation. With a properly balanced diet (don't eat five coconuts a day kind of thing) you will be able to benefit from this fantastic nut (The coconut is considered a nut, not a fruit). I'm going to get one or two and see what I can make it a coconut anyway - and I'll report back here on my findings.

Anyway, I have work tomorrow morning and am quite tired. Tomorrow night I head out for a grocery shop, which should be fun and hopefully less expensive than the first. I only need a few items really.

Well that's it from me for tonight. Goodnight

I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts...

As tonight's title would suggest, my blog tonight has at least one part to do with coconut. But more on that in a bit.

First off, I was up bright and early this morning and got a great jumpstart on my day. Mostly because I had to due to needing to get a headshot into the paper as soon as possible. Which resulted in my rushing to campus, meeting seven thousand people at the SUB, including Lauchlin (sp?) and Danielle. Danielle, the one who I can neither confirm nor deny eats babies, and is form my hometown and also works with the paper took my headshot with an apple, which will be there for all to see next week in the Xavarian Weekly. Which reminds me, I need to write up another article for them. I'll figure out a topic I'm sure.

After that, I came home, watched some of 'The Jeffersons' in their deluxe apartment in the sky. Laughed a lot. It was truly a great. Afterwhich I spray-painted my costume silver (and inhaled enough carcinogens to do me for the next five years I'm sure). But the costume is more-or-less done and it looks great. Hopefully I'll finally grab some batteries tomorrow, so there'll be pictures that I can post up here and on facebook for all to see. I call it my Awesometastic Robot From Mars.

From there, read an article, went to class. Spoke of Ethics with a guest lecturer who did (and continues to) do extensive research in Peru. She had photos and stories and all sorts of interesting situations that were quite fantastic and insightful.

Afterwhich I came home, and used the leftover curry I had from the other night to make a couple of wraps which were quite tasty. Filled me up enough for Humans and the Environment where we really focused in on the topic I'm really most passionate about, and that's integrated resource management or IRM. It's one fo the best concepts out there right now for managing our natural resources in a sustainable way with minimum impact to the ecosystems that surround us. Which appeals to me, because it leaves many processes to nature, without human interference, which is the way these ecosystems should work in order to maintain biodiversity and be allowed to evolve and remain healthy undisturbed.

I attempted to visit some friends after class, but they weren't home so I came home and watched some of the Biggest Loser with my roomate and her boyfriend. Afterwhich I came to the two discoveries I made tonight.

I was a bit hungry, so I decided to whip myself up a bowl of porridge. And while mixing the normal ingredients (quick oats, large oats, almond milk, almonds, walnuts, flaxseed, cinnamon, vanilla and maple syrup) I saw my bag of shaved coconut just sitting there completely unused. So I grabbed it, and tossed in about a teaspoon's worth - just to see what would happen. To my amazement and delight, it brings a lovely touch to the porridge and will make it in more often methinks. Discovery number two has to do with pure vanilla. It burns when taken on its own. Just a warning to you all. I got a couple drops on my finger, so I licked it off and wow. It was a funny moment if anyone would've seen me in the kitchen.

If you'd like more information on coconut and its health benefits, type in 'coconut health' into Google and it brings up a plethora of results. Quite amazing really, I've been scanning it over and it seems to be another one of those miraculous foods that suits humanity quite well. In many forms, from the meat to the milk to the oils, coconut is a very versatile fruit. I would suggest everyone go out and get some, and try to work it into their diet's somehow. Either as some sort of snack, or adding it your cooking repertoire. I'm going to continue my investigation into the coconut and let you all know what I find.

And with that, I am at the end of my day. I'll be grocery shopping by the end of the week, and we'll see what new and adventurous foods I'll discover and try. Hopefully I'll grab a fresh coconut or two and I'll be able to experiment over the weekend.

Cheers all

Smoothalicious

Hey Folks,

Well its Monday night, after Heroes and Journeyman, so its time for some bloggin about my day.

My two shows held me in captivity while I worked on my Halloween costume tonight. Its not exactly how I wanted it, but its working out well, except for a couple of engineering difficulties that I'll figure out tomorrow. For those in the dark, I am going to be the cardboard box robot walking around all night on Wednesday. Or at least until I trip, fall and the costume comes apart around me. Whichever comes first.

What else is new? Well, column is being sent to the printers tomorrow, which is exciting. You'll see me in print in next week's edition of the Xavarian Weekly. Very exciting. Tomorrow morning I get myself a headshot and then I'll be famous from there on in. lol.

Today I ventured into smoothie's - and let me tell you. Delicious. I made... are you ready for this? An apple-cinnamon peanut butter banana smoothie. Made with a gravenstein apple, a bit of cinnamon, a frozen banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Mix in half a cup of almond milk, blend and you have yourself one fine smoothie. Making myself another one tomorrow morning for breakfast.

For lunch I merely did a quick pasta, as I was in between classes and in a bit of a rush. Dinner was just some leftover curry and an apple while I was working on the costume.

Today in Environment and Society (my Soc Course) Our group did our presentation and it was successful in our eyes. We were excited to do it, and even more excited to get it done. It was on toxic chemicals, and we focused on a variety of topics, from industry, agriculture, government intervention all the way down to individual consumer use. There are startling numbers and figures out there when you discover how many chemicals we ingest over our lifetimes and how much is getting into the environment and bioaccumulating in the plants and animals, causing everything from mutations and birth defects, to the creation of superbugs and viruses that are adapting to our chemical formulas. Its scary stuff.

But not to leave you on a sad note, I also lost out again in negotiations. Apparently I'm just not a good negotiator. Myself, and Maria were fired actually, in a power game. We were in middle management positions, and due to a choice we made, siding more to the group with no power, rather than working with the Powers that Be, we wound up causing mayhem and were canned. Had a nice severance package of a blueberry muffin though. I didn't want to be middle management anyway.

I think anyway, when it comes to negotiations, I'm in a much better position when I have little to no power. Its from that point I can negotiate up and broker deals. From the other vantage points, as seen in the last two weeks, it's very difficult. The pressure and corrupting and scheming nature of power is truly a disastrous thing. Though lessons learned every time, for sure. We'll see. Plenty of the course left to make successful negotiations and make big wins.

As for overall vegetarianism and health, I am remaining quite successful, with a huge minimum in toxins entering my body, while the healthy-eating is at a definite top. No hardcore cravings in the last couple of days, which is nice as well. I'm already 11 days into it - past the halfway point, and I was surprised when I counted it out. It hasn't felt near that long. And it has been fantastic, all of the support that family and friends have given. I may even be joining a cooperative food-share with one of my roomates.

Well that's about all the excitement for may day. I'm off to bed.

Cheers All

She's just a Pacifist, He's just a Patriot.

Hey Folks,

Its Sunday. And as you all know, I'm a fan of Sundays. They're my only true day "off" even though it winds up full of events and projects and things I don't get to do the rest of the days of the week.

Started off the day, waking up nice and late. Slept in till about 11:45 and lazed around until 2 PM. Had some toast and then headed it off for my Knitting Society meeting where I finally (after about eight months) finished my ipod sock. It's the first project I've created with the use of the four-needle method of knitting as opposed to the two-needle method. It's a wreck, with all sorts of mistakes and it wound up being too big, but I like it. It has character.

Other than that, knitting was same as it ever was. We hung around, gossiped, spoke of our weeks and weekends. Every Sunday we're there - anyone interested in learning how to knit is welcome to come by. We'll teach you - just grab some needles and yarn from 5 to a dollar or Wal-Mart and come on down. 2-4 Sundays.

After that I finished off my research and presentation setup for my Soc 323 project on toxic chemicals. My section was on Government Legislation, both domestic and international. Pretty interesting stuff to me, but most probably read the last sentence and tune right out. I think I condensed it quite well, and the project is looking good. We were a good group together. Able to delegate and figure out our tasks to get it done as efficiently as possible. We should be good to go for tomorrow.

Tonight for dinner I really treated myself. I made myself a vegetable curry. Patak's makes a curry paste that is quite tasty (and in a variety of spice intensities). I just had a mild curry tonight, but it was tasty nonetheless. Potatoes, tomatoes, onion, garlic and a bit of tofu for protein, all with a Garlic Naan. It was fantastic. And went over far better than the girls pizza. I dunno how the Alexander's Pizza Delivery Guys drive, but their first pizza (they returned it for a new one) the cheese and toppings had all slid off to one side. It was pretty hilarious from my point of view, cooking my delicious and nutritious curry.

Other than that, I just did some touching up work on this project, and called home to the family, who are all doing well back in Ontario. I'll be seeing them in less than 2 months. Flying home December 25th at 6:20 AM. Looks like I'll be spending Christmas Eve with the Tim Horton's ladies. But I doubt I'll be the only camper, we'll have our own great Christmas Eve together I'm sure. Get some booze and drink the night away (albeit discreetly lol).

Do yourself a favour and download and listen to 'Gulf War Song' by Moxy Fruvous. Fantastic song (I suggest because it just came on my iTunes).

Well that's it for me tonight. Have an early day tomorrow of meetings and classes and negotiations. We'll see what interesting situations I wind up in.

Cheers all

Got Milk?

Hey folks,

I apologize for no real post yesterday. I was out late with my bro Pat (not my biological bro, but one of the people I've known longest here at X and one of my best friends, so he's like a bro), and was beat when I got home. I also had to work early this morning and desperately needed to get as much sleep as possible.

A friend of mine asked me about my views on dairy. Overall, I'm okay with it. I'm slightly lactose intolerant so I've never eaten/drank much of it. I do enjoy cheese however. For the 21-day challenge I have cut it completely out of my diet, except for where it might have been used to make the bread I'm eating, etc. So it connects with eggs in that way - another thing that I've never really eaten anyway. I have no moral objection to dairy - I would prefer to see some more ethical practices come about when it comes to treating Dairy Cows however. Free roaming, grazing, etc. Milking on the natural milk cycles.

Its important to note that the human belief that we are dependent on milk is kindof, well, made up. We are the only species that drinks another species milk, and after we are weened off of our mother's milk, the nutritional value of cows milk is really negligible. Especially if its not organic milk, which is liable to be laced with pesticides, herbicides and hormones (studies have shown that milk may be causing a higher incidence of twins in the USA). On top of all that, the fat content in milk makes it harmful as well. The benefits of vitamins and minerals, most notably calcium, can be found through a variety of other means that are much more natural to our bodies than milk.

Some examples of calcium alternatives to milk are almonds, brazil nuts, molasses, kale and leafy spring greens. All of which are easily integratable into one's diet. I keep raw almonds on me all the time as a kind of snack food. And none of these hold the same risks that milk has.

And so, in conclusion, I suppose I'm not anti-milk, but it should be used extremely sparingly and only be obtained from organic and ethical sources. In a wonderfully delicious cheese sauce for example.
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The last two days have been quite nice. I made it over a week (Friday was my one week mark) and I'm still going strong. Still battling cravings, but those will take a while to subside I figure. I actually had a dream the other morning where I went to have breakfast, and there was nothing but meat. I quite literally didn't know what to do. lol.

But last night I enjoyed a few organic beers with Patrick. It was his birthday this week and so I went over to share some festivities with himself and his lovely lady Kayleigh. A suggestion - look up the online series called 'Trapped in the Closet'. It's written by R. Kelly and is hilarious.

Organic beer is interesting, and very clean tasting. The stuff I drink is from Mill St. Brewery in Toronto, which makes me enjoy it even more as its a good Canadian beer. They come in smaller bottles and contain less alcohol content, but the flavor makes up for it. It is amazing to go from the organic beer to a regular domestic and detect the definite differences in tastes.

Well that's about it from me. I worked all day today, which was standard for me on Saturdays (I've had 2 Saturdays off in the last six months) and I won't bore you with the details of Hardware Store dealings. And tonight I'll be visiting a friend's new place, which by happenstance is the same apartment I had two years ago. lol. Should be fun to go down memory lane.

Cheers All

One Week

Sorry Folks - I'm tired.

No real blog tonight, I'll do a double one when I get home from work Saturday.

The Food Connection

Wow, it's an early post. Haven't even entered into tomorrow yet. Quiet night I suppose.

The day started as any other, finishing and polishing off assignments before eating some food and heading to class. Today's was especially interesting as it was the completion of my Observations and Assignment One for Anthropology, which ties directly in with my foray into vegetarianism. Moreover, not only on vegetarianism but the ideas surrounding how connected or disconnected we are from our food. In this paper, and in my life I'm promoting the idea that we need to reconnect with our food, and if we can reconnect with it, we will appreciate the process by which food gets to us. And it is with the realization of the process that we will begin to change to more ethical practices.

And so I put a challenge on the table for my readers, and I'd like feedback on how it worked. I'm nearing completion of my first week as a vegetarian, and I would like everyone out there to do one dish this week - cooked completely at home with entirely fresh ingredients. Nothing canned or packaged. The only things that can be packaged are pastas, but they have to be whole grain pastas. And of course, when it comes to grains and rice, they come in packages, but you get the idea. All fresh fruits and vegetables, if you decide on using meat, fresh cuts (preferably from ethically run establishments if you're privy to that kind of information). I would suggest making a date or a dinner event out of it. Organize a potluck for this weekend or even for next weekend with these rules in place. Do your best to not make meat the centre-point. Experiment with spices. Go nuts basically - As said in a famous quote "Do one brave thing every day... then run like hell."

There's really not all that much more to say in tonight's post, except for my dinner. A penne pasta dish, with whole grain noodles (its suggested that one only eat pasta once a week anyway) and the "Sauce" as it were (it wound up being more like a bruschetta spread on noodles) consisted of onion and garlic as a base, as it pretty much necessary in any meal, and into it went a mixture of fresh tomatoes, orange pepper (quite the taste to it) and some tofu for protein. Spices and herbs included chili flakes, cayenne and black pepper, and fresh basil, thyme, oregano, and chives. Mixed it altogether and ate it down completely. It was very good - almost a variation of last night's dinner except with noodles instead of Quinoa. This week's been insane and I'm hoping next week will be quieter so I can perhaps lend a bit more creativity to my meals. I also have to hit the grocery store and get some more supplies.

After that, I watched some of The Hour with Strombo, and came up here to do my post and finish my article for the paper.

Well that's about it from this end. Tomorrow's a big day. 1 Week since I started.

Cheers

And the Lord Said, Let There Be Funk

Good morning.

Its just past 1 here in Antigonish and I just got in from the first sober night at a bar I've ever had. It was interesting. But we'll get to that afterward, as I always do my blogs in chronological order (in the order in which it happened to me in the day).

Today was a bit rushed. Woke up late, so I grabbed a 12-grain bagel and an apple juice on the way to class to supplement my normal breakfast of porridge. It was good, but I forgot to grab an apple on the way out, so not quite as filling.

But I made it to class, where we discussed Biodiversity Loss - which was cool because I had just finished a paper on the topic in another class so I had a bunch of data to back myself up. One really interesting point though, in my mind, because I think its often forgotten by most (including myself). That plantlife is very much included in biodiversity loss and extinction. Most people consider the Panda and the Whales and all sorts of other animals and kindof forget that the plants suffer from biodiversity loss as well. And if the plantlife has less genes to go around, then its like humans - they begin to suffer from ailments and are more susceptible to diseases and illnesses and then these plants really are threatened with extinction.

Anyway, that's my pseudo-biology rant for the day. Afterward I finished my observations and field notes, this time with only being interrupted a couple times for short periods so it was a pretty solid observation day. After that, I got a new haircut. I still need batteries otherwise I'd have a picture for all of you, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

I'm currently looking for a tofu (doesn't necessarily need to incorporate tofu, but it needs to be vegetarian) meatloaf recipe if anyone knows of a good one out there. I've got some slightly stale bread I need to use up before it goes bad, and meatloafs are traditionally good for that.

Didn't really have much of a lunch, outside of munching on some carrot sticks, but for dinner I finally used Quinoa. And its quite the interesting grain. Another new texture, and a little goes a long way. I accidentally made too much. It's quite filling. And I did it with a stirfry-type meal. Though I've decided I'm learning how to make different sauces to give different spices and flavors to my meals.

After dinner I had Positive Space Training. Which is a fantastic thing by the way. It's run by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender) community, and its a program designed to inform individuals and groups on the issues and the situations surrounding that community. The program is designed to make those of us who are trained Allies to the LGBT Community. We then make ourselves visible to the community for anyone who might be seeking information or help regarding gender and sexuality issues. It's an excellent program, and I'd suggest that anyone interested in becoming an ally to contact me and I can get you into contact with those who set up the sessions.

I then came home, got changed and headed out for the night. I stopped first to see my friend Donna-Marie, as I hadn't visited her in a while and she lived near the bar where I was going to see the band, so it was a good middle-point to take a rest before going out. Also, her roomate was going to the show, so I went over with her, so as not to seem like a loser going to a show alone. lol. Anyway, Donna-Marie had a good visit and watched The Bionic Woman, which is a half-decent show so far. I didn't hold out high hopes, but its proving to hold its own weight against the slew of other new shows that are flooding the television waves.

Then Natalie arrived (the roomate) and we headed to the bar with her boyfriend to go see the band. I was there about half an hour before the band started and hooked up with the folks I was supposed to meet here, had a conversation with them, had a couple glasses of water and then it was to the dance floor because the band was starting. We jumped and jived and danced like crazy people right in the front row, and had ourselves a wicked good times. I believe the rest of them are still having a great one.

I myself also had a really good time, but with a couple critique's. The band, though fantastic, played basically the same set, which doesn't always really do it for me. I want to hear new stuff. Also, in the best of times I'm not a crowd person. Especially not a sweaty, drunken shovy crowd. And I lost the girls while I was at the front, and couldn't find them again, so I grabbed a bottle of water and figured it was about time for home. I'm a little famous for my 'Alright, I'm done for the night' moments. I often don't stay til close.

It was interesting however, because, as you know, along with the vegetarianism, I've cut out alcohol to the exception of special occasions (my friends birthday I might have a drink or two, and for halloween I might be tempted to have one or two drinks as well). And its a health reason too. Alcohol takes at least a week to get out of your system completely, and its linked to just about every known cancer ever. Not that I want anyone feeling guilty about drinking. I'm quite the fan of it myself. I've just recently been getting the feeling that in my life its becoming a bit excessive and I really should cut back. And what better time to make changes than when you're making other changes? Just another adventure to behold. And you know what, dancing and hanging out with everyone at the bar: Its still just as good once they get over the fact that its a glass of water in your hand and not another drink.

So I'm home, and that's been my day. Not the most exciting, really not any huge adventures, but an informative one with lots of friends and some dancing at the end. A good day overall.

Cheers

Bow Not to the Caffeine Gods

Evening Folks

This is a post done in two parts. The first was before Humans and the Environment, my Tuesday Night course, and the other done after.

Well, I'm back doing observations at the SUB (and writing a quick bibliography - I hate bibliographies, always have. One of my pet peeves really). Had another stirfry with szechwan and I'm quite enjoying the taste. I think I'll have to get some of those peppercorns for myself and start making my own sauces and spice mixtures as I am a fan of the spicy.

One important point I feel I need to hit upon is to say that my thoughts are with those in California who are suffering through the blaze. I hope the weather starts to change before the entire State goes up in flames. For those of you not following the news, California is gripped in a tremendous drought and there have been massive forest fires, to the point where people are being evacuated. The CBC has an excellent encompassing report on it.

Today marked the beginning of my research into figuring out what to do with myself after I'm done school. And I discovered something interesting. There are all sorts of Canadian Internships (paid internships) for Organic Farmers. Several in Ontario and one out here in Nova Scotia that I'm seriously looking at as an option for post-post-Secondary life. I think it'd be great to work a season on an Organic Farm, figure out how these places are being run sustainably. Plus in Ontario they place me close to home so I can visit family throughout.

And though its not the only option (I have equally entertained ideas about becoming a plumber, doing internships in Africa and Europe and teaching English abroad) so far it seems like it'd be a good one right off the bat, and down the alley that I'm currently looking down with the vegetarian lens.

By lens I mean the way I'm looking at life through these new eyes, and how its important to not only be vegetarian, but perhaps also be a bit more activist. To pursue Organic Options and to look at how to cultivate, farm, and raise animals ethically and sustainably in a system that works with the Earth instead of trying to control and reorder it. In this way, even if I do go back to eating meat occasionally, a lot more research will have to be done in order to figure out where it came from, what the animal was fed, etc.

Thus concludes my pre-class section.

AFTERCLASS

Addiction is a funny thing. Yesterday were the cravings, and today I'm looking at the effects of what happens after you purge something from your system, only to reintroduce it to yourself. I had a tea tonight, and figured, since it was Green, it wouldn't have much caffeine, so I'd be fine (green tea does have caffeine, its just not as processed as black). Boy was I wrong.

Throughout, I've had little slips, and every time I'm reminded of why I'm doing this, and how toxic a lot of the things we eat and drink are on our systems. A little bit of personal history first though. Since first year of University (I'm currently in Fifth), I had developed a slight tick. Couldn't reason out why it existed, it was just there, and was often related to stressful times. Well, over these last few days, its been significantly less - to the point where I can't really recall twitching at all really. Until tonight and that tea (my other slips were a can of 7UP on Saturday and movie popcorn on Sunday). And so, it seems that caffeine is a downfall for me. And so, it seems like I'll be avoiding it as much as possible from here on out. It was just plain bizarre; out of nowhere I was suddenly irritable, nervous, and twitchy. I quite literally couldn't sit still - I kindof felt like Freakazoid over it all - and I get the feeling the effects were that much stronger as I had been clearing my body out of such toxins. Truly amazing discoveries I'm making every day on this adventure.

Anyway, that's about it for me and my day. Please, everyone who reads, leave comments if you so desire and ask questions if you have any. I'll be more than happy to reply to them in future posts or be able to point you in the right directions to resources that would be able to help.

Cheers all

Monday Cravings

Good Evening,

How to start today's post? It was Monday (now technically Tuesday, but that's due to my shows). I try to do each post at the end of my day, so as to give an encompassing look. There were some interesting developments that I am excited about however. Started the morning the daily porridge and some fruit, no big change there, but it's a good place to begin.

I've started my observations for a research project over at the SUB (Student Union Building, also known as Bloomfield). Looking at student interaction through the lens of a recent vegetarian, and getting some interesting looks into peoples eating/study/social habits and how they all kindof interlink, and I'm attempting to extrapolate from that, the effects that potentially bad food might have on studying and interaction. Disclaimer however, that I am no doctor and am getting these ideas just from what I see. I only half have a research question, so its still all forming in my mind.

Now, on to the SUB Food, which is a large part of my examination. The first point is that its pointless to eat at the grill. Even the french fries are deep fried in the same batter as chicken fingers, chicken burgers and clams, so that takes them out of the market. The best bet is either the sub/wrap station for a veggie wrap, or to the stir fry location. Today I had my first stirfry with Italian vegetables, tofu and szechwan sauce on a bed of rice. It was good with a bit of spice, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And extremely cheap! Only $3. Made my life. And allowed me to check out the vegetarian option at the SUB, which is quite tasty, if a bit limited. Especially compared to the meat alternatives.

Today also marked the first day of cravings for those old foods that are so bad for you, but taste so good. A couple of times I nearly went into Tim Horton's and got the Iced Cappucino, and a few times I was tempted to grab that bag of Swedish berries, or a chocolate bar or bag of chips. And though, technically I'm allowed to eat them I've been attempting to cut those out too. The whole idea of you are what you eat. Once you start reading labels it really effects your views on foods and drinks. Amira gave some good advice on alternatives and how to combat these cravings however. She likened it to drug withdrawal, which isn't really far from the truth. I did consume a lot of coke and pepsi for the caffeine and the sugars, and so now that I've been four days without them, my body is starting to crave. Just like a smoker. So now its a game of will and alternatives. But I know I'll make it through, especially with the support of my friends and readers.

On the topic of friends and readers though, it is amazing that my choice to do this has inspired others to begin looking at their lives and their diets and looking at the alternative and healthier options to what is currently mainstream food. A couple of friends have peaked interest, and I know many others read the blog, which is astonishing. I'm amazed at how people have taken interest and are really into the journey as well, and want to be kept up to date on how I'm doing.
Well, after dinner at the SUB and conversation with some friends (I run into all sorts of people at the SUB while I'm there) I had my group meeting for Negotiations Class, and then Negotiations Class itself at 7. Which was an interesting one tonight. Mostly just a single negotiation, in which I wound up losing five dollars. It was our first negotitation with real money, and though I came up as a loser, I learned a lot of valuable lessons on relationship and trust building which will help me to plan and build negotiation relationships better in the future.

Then afterward, I continued with my Monday routine of watching Heroes and Journeryman on NBC. The only two shows I really watch. I download Robin Hood, a british series that started last year, and occasionally watch Chuck online, but that's about it for TV watching on my part. And they're all fantastic shows in my opinion. I would suggest giving them a view.

And breaking news - just came through and was basically officiated. I'm also going to be in print, ladies and gentlemen. As of next week's issues of the Xavarian Weekly, I will be writing a column for the health section. Which is quite exciting - make sure if you're a Xavarian that you check it out. I'll be talking about my adventures and trials as a Vegetarian at X, and maybe even putting in a recipe or two throughout the year to get your pallets salivating. I'll send a special thank you to Danielle who came up with the idea and pitched it to the Editor. You're awesome (contrary to popular belief, she does not eat babies in barbecue sauce)! (notice the exclamation point as well - she's a fan).

So that was Monday, October 22nd. Day four of the journey. Let's see what Tuesday has to offer

Cheers all

The Sunday Edition

Well, its Sunday. I like Sundays. They're actually quite eventful for me, despite being the only day of the week I have 'off.'

But I did sleep in. And it was a good sleep-in, and I started the workout regiment that Amira set out for me, which, so far, appears to be doing well as well.

The day started as most others, with my good ol' porridge. Well, oatmeal. I'm really not sure if there's a difference. I'll Wikipedia it later. Although, if you look at it properly, Wikipedia is kindof the fast food of research and knowledge.

Anyway - so then I went to knitting. Which is always a good time with the girls. We don't have any guys in the knitting society besides myself unfortunately. I ate several pieces of fruit throughout and munched on some almonds and walnuts. Tragedy befell last night actually, when I was reaching into the cupboard above and my pecans fell into dishwater and were irreparably damaged. I mourned. I'll have to get some more tomorrow, but back to knitting. I'm working on an iPod sock and the girls were working on various projects. Hats, scarves, blankets, Zoe (with the zed key, not the zee key) is actually making a shirt. Looks nice - I told her I was going to make three, but I doubt I'll even get one finished.

At the meeting my vegetarianism took a forefront in conversation. Apparently its an interesting thing. So we discussed, and I explained how I'm substituting proteins and iron and everything else, and overall everyone thought it was neat I think. And the greenness is even coming out, as Zoe (again, with the zed key, not the zee) pointed out that by throwing out the apple core or banana peel, they'd just go to a landfill. And so, thankfully in my magical backpack of wonders, I had a ziploc bag so I could bring them home and dispose of them in the municipal compost bin. We also decided that knitting saves lives, as proven by Chi McBride on 'Pushing up Daises' when he saved them all with the cunning use of his knitting needles.

After that I did some research for a group project on toxic chemicals. It's for my Environment and Society Class, and as part of the project I'm to research the Government and Business interaction when it comes to the toxic chemical market. There'll be focuses on food labeling, allowable exposures, Business lobby groups, things like that. After the research and before the meeting I grabbed a cranberry juice and a muffin which filled the spot.

Afterward, on my trek home I ran into Kathleen at Shoppers Drugmart, and walked with her partway home (well, to about my house, which was on the way) (by the way, has anyone else noticed I apparently have a love affair with the comma?). I didn't have a particular mission at Shoppers, but I did tempt myself and didn't give in. Its funny, a lot of the things I used to eat I'm not very tempted by anymore. At least not in the third day.

And so, as a Sunday treat for myself for getting so much accomplished, I headed her to the movies and saw Resident Evil 3. Which isn't without its charm - I am a fan of the zombie movie, I will admit, and I do get a kick out of cinematic violence, especially of the superhero kind that was available in this one with Alice. Super powers, super strength and taking out a villainous corporation that has destroyed the World. Sometimes a simple black and white script makes one feel a bit better. Mostly it was just an action flick that let me tune out for two hours though.

One thing - I got a small box of popcorn, and hardly ate any of it. Far too salty, it hit the pallet and was almost immediately rejected. One of those things I suppose. A few weeks ago, if it had been a box of blueberry's or something, I'm sure my pallet would've had similar reaction. Plus movie popcorn is by no means top of the list when it comes to good popcorns to eat.

Well, I'm still a bit peckish as I haven't had a proper dinner yet, so I think I might make myself another bowl of porridge (I looked it up - oatmeal is traditionally reserved for the dry oats before being made into a porridge). Or maybe just a small bowl of Quinoa. I unfortunately didn't get to do my stuffed pepper, but maybe tomorrow for lunch. I also think I may tackle hummus.

As a final note, as I didn't get it into yesteday's post, I am very psyched that Amira, whom I speak praises of nearly every day here on my blog, has posted a paragraph about me in her most recent newsletter, which can be found at www.vegetarianorganiclife.com - I would suggest signing up. She offers some great recipes and resources and is the reason I'm doing this (well she gave the incentive - the reason is to become healthier and more aware of what I'm eating, which I'm discovering in spades).

Anyway, that's it for me for today.
Cheers all

Good times at Tofu High

Greetings my fellow adventurers,

Well today is day 2, and it was a pretty good day, aside from the rain, which thankfully held off until I was to work. The morning routine was a walk to work, accompanied by some fruit. A good ol' apple. And another when I got to work. Break with a banana and some nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) and lunch peanut butter sandwich on whole grain molassus bread. Which is pretty tasty stuff if I may say so myself.

A word on labeling. I drank my last can of pop today (broke down and got a 7UP - which is now touted as being completely natural btw) and, as Amira informed - there are things like Sodium Benzoate and all sorts of other scary sounding chemicals in those. Not to mention 42g of sugar. In one little can. Freaked me right out.

Also - did you know, that most conventional maple syrups, like the discount brands and even the trusted Aunt Jemima, only contain about 15% real maple syrup. Makes me wonder what the other 85% is.

Other than that - I find my appetite is more under control, and that I require smaller portions of food in order to feel satisfied with my meal. Also, I already feel less fatigued after a meal. For example, beforehand, I'd go to Superstore or McDonalds and get a meal. Eat it, it'd be tasty, but I'd be sluggish all afternoon. So then I'd get a pepsi, but that would just get me jittery. Meanwhile now - I'm eating mostly grains, nuts and fruits for lunch, and I find I'm alert throughout the workday, and I'm not having any issues getting to sleep at night at regularish times (around 11-12). I also have less compulsion to snack, and when I do its an apple or some nuts or something along those lines.

In case you can't tell, even though its just day two, I'm feeling extremely pumped about what I've been able to accomplish so far. Family will tell you that this is extremely out of sync with what my eating habits were six months ago, even six days ago.

And if I can figure out how to make tofu better, we'd be in some proper business. I'm sure it comes with experience, like with any cooking. By the end of these three weeks, watch out. I'm thinking tomorrow I might tackle a stuffed pepper. See what I can come up with.

And so, without any more adieu, my dinner (Camera was out, and ran out of batteries, sorry again). It started with sunflower oil, sauteeing garlic, ginger and onion. I then added green pepper, red potato (grown in NS), celery and carrots, along with tofu. Spiced it up with some cayenne and black pepper, garnished with some lemon, added rice and voila. A meal. And it wasn't too bad. I was confused on how to cook tofu, but I think I've got it figured out. At least for now.

Well, that's it for today on the trials and triumphs of a new vegetarian. On an ending plus-note, a coworked brought in McDonald's today and the fry smell had no effect.

Cheers all

Day 1

Howdy folks,

Well - day one is nearly complete, I'm tired and I want to go to bed. But first - A post.

The day started off well - hit the snooze about fifty times before getting up, showering and rushing to work. On the way, I made my first good choice, which was a 12-grain bagel at Tim Horton's and an orange juice. A good breakfast by any accounts I would think.

At work I did well - for lunch I had a garden salad, which was quite filling actually, over at the Superstore, and I did some recon for that evening's grocery shop. Checking things out, finding the right bread, and where some items were located that I might've otherwise not found.

Unfortunately - this afternoon, my body started speaking up. As if to say "What the hell are you doing man?!"I could tell my manager was getting annoyed because she saw me 'wandering' a few times. What it actually was, was me heading to and from the washroom several times.

And so now we get to the grocery shop. Just after eight, I got to the Superstore, and bought over $140 worth of groceries, and not a single piece of meat or dairy touched my cart. I am drinking almond milk, I have a couple cubes of tofu, a giant bag of rice. Molasses bread, which I'm kindof excited about. All sorts of oats and seeds and nuts and beans to keep my iron and protein up. Fruits and vegetables for all those wonderful vitamins. And I'm excited to begin cooking.

Tonight I was tired, so I just made myself some oatmeal. With brown sugar and maple syrup. I forgot the cinnamon. A mistake that will not happen again. I never liked oatmeal as a child, and I did a poor job of making this bowl, but I'll get better with practise. Again - while eating, my body was going "What the heck is this? It has no fat, no grease, artificial flavorings (the maple syrup I have is proper Nova Scotia maple syrup), I don't like this." But I was determined, and finished the bowl and am quite satisfied. For the smaller portions I've eaten, I've been filled up and haven't felt sluggish all day after my meals. Which is a bit of a change, let me tell you.

But in one day of this, I have realized what a meat-centric world we live in. Passing all the fast-food chains, the only ones you can optionally not get meat (realistically) are Subway and Tim Hortons. I passed an M&M Meats, and even on TV, commercials for the Outback Steakhouse, all taunting me. But I shall not give in!

I forgot my camera, otherwise I would've taken pictures of my grocery shop. I'll start remembering it when I get cooking.

Anyway, I have work early tomorrow morning, so I am off to bed. The first day was a success. And I'm ready for day 2.

Cheers all

Countdown

Afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

Well, its less than 24 hours until I become a vegetarian, so I figured a little prequel post was due to explain the why's and the how's of what I'm doing.

A couple of weeks ago, while I was checking all my daily websites, I was on vegetarian organic life (www.vegetarianorganiclife.com) and came across this challenge by Amira Elgan.

The challenge was, in honour of vegetarian awareness month (October), for non-vegetarians to become vegetarian for 21 days, and for vegetarians to become vegan for 21 days. Amira then cited the potential advantages that would come out of altering your diet and lifestyle in this way.

On top of just changing diet, Amira, a holistic health counsellor, advises on work-outs, and not only cutting out meat - but also what you should replace it with, and what products are better for you than others. She offers two free telephone sessions (as she lives in California) and all the email support we need to undergo this 21-day challenge.

Amira herself is an apparently amazing woman from what I've read and from our initial consultation. Well versed in the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and sympathetic to what peoples pleasures are in the way of food. She takes on the slow philosophy on food that I enjoy so much. The idea of not just eating for sustenance, but cooking and creating meals and flavours and sensations that are not only healthy, but are an experience to create and enjoy with family and friends.

And she's offered up some good advice. Changing my bread from white to whole grain, and turning a focus onto breakfasts rather than dinners as the meal to spend the most time on. My big concern now is my grocery bill. I've done up a list, and there are nearly sixty items on it, and not a single piece of meat or dairy or eggs are on it. Despite that fact, it looks as if I'll be getting everything I need in order to maintain myself as healthy.

Plus, the money I'm losing by paying more in groceries for more high-end items and fresh produce, I'll be saving because I won't be able to eat out as often, and I've also decided to quit drinking for this challenge (except for on Halloween if I'm feeling up to a drink or two). Overall I'm hopefully looking at a net savings of money over my traditional eating habits.

Well, looks like it should be an adventure. I'll keep you posted. Next post will be the experiences of my 1st day and grocery shopping.

Cheers