Socializing

This past week was the biggest test of my new vegan lifestyle. As I have previously acknowledged, being a stay at home vegan is so easy. You have complete control over ingredients. Going out, or even worse, to other people's houses is almost impossible without bringing a bag packed with snacks and meals for yourself! Unless you like starving...I don't!

So I find it hard to be rude and say no thank you to food someone presents to me. It is also a new thing for me so many friends and family don't know or think I am that serious about it. I guess you could say I instilled the idea of "love food" a bit this week.

I try hard not to talk about my vegan transition too much around people for a few reasons. One, I don't want to come across as preaching or a know it all. I don't want to judge those who choose not to educate themselves about the meat and dairy industries, just like I don't want them to judge me. THIS IS SO HARD! I want to scream, "Do you know what they are doing to your food?" But I refrain, after all I was one of them just a month ago.

Secondly, people are so opinionated! Inevitably the topic comes up when I am with a group. Maybe I told one person in the group and they shared or maybe the conversation went there some how. Regardless when I do divulge this personal and meaningful life decision to people, many don't support it. I have reactions from "Oh no." to just staring blankly at me. I have to give my mom some props here because she said, "Good for you!" It made me feel so good when she supported this major decision.

I am finding the move from strictly at home vegan to social vegan quite challenging. I am sure once it becomes more routine and a part of who I am I will feel more comfortable and so will my family and friends. *One lesson learned, if someone is having you over, offer to bring something to add to the party. I brought hummus and veggies to my friends this weekend. Everyone likes it and it is vegan so you won't starve if nothing else is!

Lara, it probably feels liberating to give things away, even in small chunks. I am impressed and empowered by your commitment toward full veganess (aka total vegan). I found some cute vegan and vegetarian shoes at http://www.zappos.com/. Of course what I need as a Kindergarten teacher and what you need as an attorney are a little different, but check it out.

I cooked all day yesterday to prepare vegan food for our family camping trip today. We will see how this goes...another major vegan challenge. Ryan's family loves meat!!! Thank you, Julie for the vegan cookie recipes from the Skinny Bitch In the Kitchen book. Mine turned out a little dry but still very tasty.