2. Jason and I both agree that 2011 was our most tiresome/stressful year. We are both glad it’s over

3. I completed almost all of my goals for 2011. Like running a marathon, doing well in school, blah blah blah. The one I didn’t complete or even start ? Writing the first part of my memoir. It isn’t for anyone else to see, just me. I don’t want to forget the first time I met Cocoa the drag queen (age 14). Nor do I want to forget the time my sister knocked me unconscious for tattle-telling on her. Good times, good times. These memories are precious.

4. I framed this picture of Jane Goodall and put it on my bedside table as a reminder of the kind of person I want to be.

Did you know that it took a three week boat ride for her to get to Africa for the first time? Craziness. And that she was the first (known) person to discover chimps using “tools” to get food? She also was the first known scientist to see chimps display some type of warfare in the wild…I find her completely fascinating. If you haven’t read her book  “A Reason for Hope”, go read it now please

5. A few days ago, I noticed Sophie frantically chasing something around the house. After taking a closer look, I realized it was a teeny-tiny little mouse! A wittle itty bitty house mouse (excuse my baby talk), no bigger than my thumb. He was scared out of his wittle (sorry) mind.

So I scooped him up and put him in a shoebox out of Sophie’s reach. I went to check on Charlie yesterday and he was gone. So now we have a mouse in our house. Two things:

1. I hope it’s a male.
2. Don’t tell Jason I kept a mouse.

Thank you

6. In 2011, I stopped watching shows that I feel desensitize me. That includes any show produced by Seth McFarlane, horror movies and even some reality TV crime shows. I think it’s working because I can hardly be in the same room with Jason while he watches ‘The Walking Dead’. Shows I am loving: New Girl, Glee, Parks & Rec, The Office, Raising Hope, and some Pawn Stars

Yes, Zooey. You are adorkable.

7. In December 2011, Jason and I took food, sweaters, and blankets to three men living under a bridge. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but so worth it. It feels good to see the blankets spread across their “beds” as I drive by there on my way to work everyday I hope they’re keeping them warm.

8. There were definitely some delicious recipes made last year! And some not-so-delicious. Yes, it’s true. Sometimes I make really horrible-tasting meals. Like the ‘Tofu Florentine’ I whipped up one time that made me (and Jason) want to vomit. Oh- and like time I made ‘Polenta Casserole’ using dry polenta. Except I forgot to cook the polenta before baking it…have you ever tried to eat sand?

9. I stopped keeping my cats indoors all the time. I was going to do a big post about this, but never did. I’ve read enough books to know that unless really old and lazy, cats probably want the opportunity to explore outside. To be cats. To poop in dirt and sharpen their talons on trees instead of furniture. I’m just sayin’. Might I even go as far to say that Sophie is a bit sweeter after being let loose for a bit?

10. In 2011 I turned 26 and immediately began worrying that my most reproductive years are passing me by. Hang in there, ovaries! Just a few more years!

11. There are some fond, fond memories of last year, including:

• Rocking out to Three Days Grace, Seether, Theory of a Deadman, and many more at an all-day concert with Jason

• Finishing up at community college and being accepted into the Biology program at UNCC
• Going on my first rafting trip through TN for my birthday!
• Midnight dancing sessions with Jason to Bobby Browns “It’s My Perogative”
• Becoming vegan and celebrating my veganniversary on January 1st, 2012
• Adopting a third pet and learning that yes, my heart is in fact big enough to handle yet another pet in our home. Three is my limit though
• Two camping trips to Sparta, NC with Jason and Trixie. I heart camping.

• Running the Mud Run with Jason, Anitra, and Heath  SO MUCH FUN!!!

And that’s only the beginning…can’t wait to see what this year brings!

…you resist the urge to yell “Stranger Danger!” when an elderly man outside of your favorite deli asks you to go in and order for him.

…you immediately put all of your Christmas money towards your tuition, school supplies, and a new pack of socks. That sweater you’ve been wanting for a long time will just have to wait.

…you keep track of the last oil change in your car, and when 3,000 miles has come and gone, you get it changed again. Seriously folks- I’m just now learning to live this way. “Cars need oil?”

…you stop finding excuses to text and drive. It’s dangerous, people! Nothing is that important! Don’t do it.

…you feed your animals and boyfriend before feeding yourself. Why is it that they are all hungry right when my butt cheeks are about to hit the sofa? Weird.

…you resist the urge to cry out when a six year old asks you to read his Lego Star Wars instruction book to him  one more time. Patience, Stacey, patience.

…you stop being afraid to ask for what you really want. In any situation.

…you take matters into your own hands.

…you learn how to use a leaf-blower, food chopper,  and a caulk gun all in one month. And then brag about it to friends and family. “Give me something to caulk!”

…at the gym, you pick the treadmill in front of CNN instead of Nickelodeon. Wait, I still don’t do that. Never mind.

…you learn to stop being so modest, and accept gifts when they are offered. Because “when someone offers you something, you take it.” <—wise words from my mother. Except drugs or candy from a stranger- don’t take those things.

…you get rid of “memorabilia” that never really meant anything to begin with. Yesterday I threw away a pen I had taken home to remind me of my first time eating at Hooters. Wow, what sentimental value that pen had.

…you learn to stand up for the things you believe in, no matter how different other people may feel about what you’re fighting for.

…you learn to take in every moment that you have with family. Never mind the fact that you only see them during holidays, it is still time together.

…going home with a sore throat because you gladly screamed your head off for your home team. 

…learning to control your whiny-ness when your boyfriend sits in the middle of the tool aisle at Sears for 30 minutes comparing the differences between two meters. “I have to make an educated decision.” *Rolls eyes and joins him on the floor*

…you live with an open heart and an open mind. You are always open for opportunity and education. You grow from where you come from, become your own person, and do anything it takes to make your dreams become a reality

I took my last exam at a community college yesterday, and it feels. so. good.

I’ve put myself through community college since 2003 (with a few semesters off in between), and I’m finally done!

Two weeks ago, I attended a registration day at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While I love how personal and small a community college feels, I couldn’t help feeling a breath of fresh air and thrill when I walked onto UNCC’s humungous campus. Like I had finally made it…Like all of the money and time I’ve spent on community college had finally paid off, and I was where I was supposed to be

First of all- compared to Gaston College and their four main buildings, UNCC was like a huge maze, with a different building around every corner!

Yikes! While getting the tour, I made a mental note to come before classes start to make sure I know where I’m going.

I know this post is kind of corny, but you guys have to understand that I never thought I would make it this far. On my own. With no help. Matter of fact, right after high school, I applied to UNCC and various other universities thinking I would get right in, but they all rejected me because I was a bad student. So, community college it was.

And that’s where I spent the next ga-jilliion years of my life. (You could read the bad student post and it will catch up on my school years as of late)

Anyway, back to registration day at UNCC

So, we get there early in the morning, like at 7:30 a.m. And I am just beaming, so happy. I don’t even care that it’s a Saturday and I’m at school. I want to be there.

We have sections that we are assigned to. My sections are “Campus Tour” and “How to Get on the Right Career Path”. The campus tour was a bit overwhelming for me. It’s just so BIG (that’s what she said). But I’ll get the hang of it.

After the tour and an academic fair, we were told that we have 30 minutes for lunch. I make my way through the crowd in the cafeteria, wondering around trying to figure out if there’s anything vegan. Hanging in front of me are posters like this (not exactly the ones posted below, but they had the same message):

and this one…

Um, have I died and gone to heaven? A school cafeteria that promotes vegetarianism!! Score! Everyone at Gaston used to pick on me for being vegan, or they wouldn’t even know what it was…This was the moment I truly began loving my new school <3

While browsing for eats, I stumble upon a meat-free area. They have a yummy looking menu with things like “vegan tofu stir-fry” or “vegetarian wraps”, and another girl walks up to look at one as well. I ask her if she is vegetarian and she says ‘Yes’. And I probably shouldn’t have made such a big deal out of it, but I swear to you, I scream “I’M VEGAN!! OHMYGOSH!!!!”

LOL. That poor girl. She probably thought I was crazy. You have to understand that I’ve never come across another vegetarian/vegan that I didn’t already know. I asked her if she wanted to sit together, and so we did I spent the next 20 minutes talking about our classes (she’s going for Biology too) and why we became vegetarian/vegan.

Then this guy joins us out of nowhere, just out of nowhere! He just sits down. I LOVE THAT! I LOVE THESE PEOPLE. I LOVE THIS PLACE! I can guarantee that I looked like a beaming idiot the entire lunch but that’s okay

After lunch, and making two new friends, we all go back to the conference hall and prepare for registration.

I won’t go into that whole process, it was a long one. But I finally ended up with the following classes:

• Physics 1
• Calculus
• Spanish II
• Global Connections

A full schedule, weeeeee!! Another bonus: it won’t interfere with my work schedule!

After registration, we got to meet with different members of various student organizations in the college. That was really fun. There is a hiking/camping group I want to join and also a “Love Mother Earth” group too And I’m thinking of starting an animal rights group as well!

The last activity of the day was getting my student ID made.

Gee, I look so miserable in that picture  

So that was my day, and it was wonderful. I seriously cannot wait to start there in two weeks!

Thanks for letting me share my excitement with you guys! And now….(dadadadadumdadadadum)

A Simple Giveaway for you, my readers

This scarf is from Banana Republic, I’ve had it for a few years now, hardly worn. I only pull it out when the winter months come. But honestly- I have so many other scarfs that this one might get worn maybe four time all winter.

It’s super soft and long. (Longer than I am!)

See?

I do love the scarf, but after all of this time owning it, it was only the other day when I realized what it’s made of:

• 46% lambs wool
• 26% rabbit hair
• 19% rayon
• 11% nylon
• 4% cashmere

Yep. Those first two ingredients kind of bother me. I can’t bring myself to wear it anymore, so I figure that one of you might enjoy it.

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your best college experience, if you didn’t go to college, then just tell me about your best life experience!

I’ll pick a random winner next Wednesday morning! Good luck And thank you for reading. Be sure to check out THCV on Facebook!

Then I get to work, check Facebook before starting chores, and I see this article on my Wall:

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2011/12/horse-slaughter-in-us.html

Basically, what it says is that for the past five years, there has been a ban on funding of the USDA in horse slaughter plants. Meaning, that for the past 5 years it’s not likely that any plants will open because slaughter houses have to have USDA regulations.

And this past November, that provision was dropped from a Congress bill. Few tried to get it put back in there, but western senators are fighting it because they see big money in horse meat.

So as of right now, it’s okay to open a horse slaughter plant in North America. Horses can now be slaughtered for meat. There has been uninterrupted shipment of live horses from Canada to Mexico for their meat, and now it’s legal. No more bypassing the U.S.

First of all- What has our nation come to? Along with the other animals that are being slaughtered for food, horses are not meant for meat. They exist for their own reasons.

Why would anyone want to kill and eat such a beautiful, majestic creature?

I beg you to please take action by visiting this page:

http://www.causes.com/causes/618850-end-horse-slaughter-official-hsus

As a nation, and as compassionate beings, we cannot allow this to happen. We have to take a stand.

Sometimes I hear news like this and it just beats me down so much. It makes me feel like all of my animal rights efforts are in vain, and that there is no “fighting the law”. But I have to keep pressing onward, hoping that I’m making a difference. For humankind and the animals sake.

We have to be their voices.

1. Ate my weight in vegan pumpkin pie.
2. Deleted all of the e-mails in my Inbox (328!) without taking a second glace to see if there was anything important in there. You should try it, it’s very liberating.
3. Started my 16th jigsaw puzzle. It’s true. I have 16 jigsaw puzzles in my house. I never do them twice, but I can’t bring myself to give them away just yet.
4. Hiked 6 glorious, strenuous, miles with my boyfriend I. heart. nature.

So there you have my weekend in a nutshell!

Anywho, I’m not here to tell you about my weekend “but you just did”, I’m here to finally to tell you about my marathon. Remember? My marathon? That race I ran almost a month ago way back when? If you’ve forgotten, then yes…I ran a marathon on November 5th! And I’m just now blogging about it, yay!

Let’s begin, shall we?

The day before my marathon I was. a. nervous. wreck. And I don’t mean nervous like biting my nails or having shaky hands. When I get nervous I tend to smile all day and say weird things, and sometimes I laugh out of nowhere at nothing. (This gets a bit awkward when I’m in Public Speaking giving a speech).

My mom, Jason and I got on the road at about 1:00 p.m. the day before. We drove my moms Prius all the way down to Savannah, GA, straight to the race expo. I was worried that if we went to the hotel, I would miss the expo and not get my packet and bib number. Better safe than sorry!

The expo was so crowded. This was my first expo and I was kind of disappointed by it. The booths didn’t offer anything I wanted (Muscle Milk? No thank you.) so I just got my bag, swag, and got outta there!

I must say that the expo had very beautiful scenery to go along with all of the madness

By the time we got out of the parking lot, we all decided it would be wise to go ahead and get some dinner while we were near the downtown area. The GPS was able to point us towards a local Mellow Mushroom where I ordered this bad mamma jamma:

Oh. Yeah. That’s what I’m talkin’ bout. Veggie pizza with tofu, olives, soy cheese, banana peppers, green peppers, tomato, broccoli, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and onion. Now that’s a veggie pizza . I ate three slices and saved the rest for the next day.

We finally got to our “swanky” <—as my mom called it, hotel around 10 p.m. (!). My mom and Jason were really tired, but I knew my nerves weren’t going to let me sleep. My adrenaline was pumped and I didn’t even feel sleepy yet.

It’s a good thing I wasn’t expecting to sleep because MY MOM SNORES LIKE A WILDEBEEST. (Do wildebeest snore?? That’s not the point!) The point is, is that I wanted to shove a sock in her mouth both nights we were there. My mom has always snored, so it’s nothing new. She promptly fell asleep at 11-ish, Jason and I were still up, albeit with lights off so I could attempt to catch some shut-eye.

That never happened. When my mom started snoring, we both started laughing hysterically. At the situation and at the fact that I had to get up in 4 hours to get ready. I remember the bed shaking because we were laughing so hard, and I kept saying "This is not happening to me!”.

I was able to get about one hour of sleep before the alarm went off.

“RISE AND SHINE! We move out in 1 hour!”

[If you think I was going to wake them gently after the suffering they caused me the night before, no. way. I wanted it to be as miserable as possible, so I turn on all the lights and the TV Hehe]

I put on my race gear and sat down to a breakfast of bagel with peanut butter and banana.

(Mid-bite pictures are always so lovely.)

After breakfast, we got in the car and drove to the Savannah Mall, where the shuttle would pick us up and take us to the start of the race.

Well, turned out that a lot of people used this option. There were thousands of people waiting for the shuttle. Jason, my mom and I took our place in one of the many long lines.

It was COLD out there! The wind was blowing non-stop and we were all freezing our butts off.

We must’ve waited about an hour for the line to go down. Right when we were about to get on the shuttle, a volunteer told all of the “non-runners” to get in another line and that they were going to transport them after all of the runners had been taken to the start line.

I had to separate from Jason and my mom It happened really fast, so I didn’t get to say “Bye” or give hugs or anything. I just waved and got on the bus, hoping they would make it to the race.

Up until this point, I hadn’t felt nervous.

It wasn’t until I was on the shuttle by myself, without a familiar face around me, that I became nervous and worried. It’s like-the reality of what I was about to do set in. I remember thinking to myself: “You’re about to run a marathon.”

And I also remember that little negative voice chiming in too: “Who do you think you are? There’s no way you’ll finish this race. You haven’t trained properly. You’re injured. Maybe next year you can try again.”

I don’t know about you guys, but whenever I’m about to complete something awesome (fitness or non-fitness related), there is always that voice that tries to tell me I can’t do something.

Well, guess what I did. I told that voice to shut the f up and that if I wanted it’s opinion, I’d ask for it.

Then I got back to thinking about the race.

The bus ride to the start line took FOREVER. The destination from the mall was only 5 minutes away, but since they had all of the downtown roads blocked off, it took about 40 minutes to get to the start line.

Once there, I learned that the race had already started (!!) and that I needed to get my patooty to Coral #6!

Except-coral #6 had already been let go. So I ended up starting with coral #16 instead. I honestly didn’t care about this part because I just wanted to start running already, no matter what coral I was in!

Before I knew it, our coral was up to the start line waiting to be hear the horn that would signify the beginning of the race. At this point I had my headphones in, the music turned low (sort of like background music in case I needed it) and my shoes tied perfectly. I was ready!

Then the fog horn sounded and we were on our way!

Miles 1-3

Were spent with my constantly bumping into the back of someone. It was super crowded. You could hardly get around anyone!

I also remember coming around a corner into a neighborhood where the residents were standing outside cheering us on. There was this one black guy with no teeth, and when he saw me, he smiled a toothless smile and said “Gimme a high-five!” But, instead of sticking out his hand, he only put out one pointer finger So I high-fived that and kept going, haha.

Miles 3-6

Were glorious. It had thinned out a little and I had a chance to increase my speed. Around mile 4, I took of my jacket and threw it to the side. I saw two homeless-looking men scrambling around to pick up all of the tossed jackets on the side of the road. They put them in their grocery cart and I smiled and waved at them.

The wind was really intense. Still going strong, especially on the highways and bridges. But I was feeling great. Refreshed. Ready to take on the world.

I passed the first water station-which reminded me of a war zone. People throwing cups every which way, and one lady, whom was obviously part of a team, yelled “FRAN! DID YOU GET YOUR WATER? GET YOUR WATER AND LET’S HIT THE PAVEMENT!”. She was tall and muscular. I made a mental note not to accidentally bump into her while running.

Miles 6-9

S-U-C-K-E-D. After running over the bridge, my leg began hurting really bad. The same way it hurt after this race. I remember my right knee just wanted to give out on me. I also remember thinking that there was a spectator view coming up where I would get to see Jason and my mom.

I texted Jason and told him I was nearing the view. Once I got there, there were so many people, and I didn’t want to stop running because my leg hurt so much at this point, that I knew if I stopped, I’d start walking. After going almost to the end of the view, I saw Jason and my mom said a quick “Hi!!!” and kept on running.

After the seeing them, the pain was UNBEARABLE.

I had to stop. I had to walk.

I was on mile 9, thinking of all of the miles that lay ahead of me. I was in other runners way, so I hobbled to the side and limped for a while.

I remember choking back tears, holding my head up towards the sky and swallowing really hard so as not to cry. I remember feeling like I should quit. I remember thinking of how easy it would be to take the half-marathon exit that was coming up in about 2 miles.

I remember thinking: “I can’t cry. Not in front of these other athletes. Don’t you dare cry, Stacey!”.

Then a man ran up to me while I hobbled along and said “Don’t quit. Whatever you do, don’t quit. Walk it off. You’ll be fine…just walk it off.” And then he disappeared into the crowd of runners.

Miles 9-13

I began running. Limping at first, and then moving to a slow jog. The pain sort of numbed, but was there throughout the entire race.

This is when I knew that I wouldn’t be able to run my usual pace. I texted Jason and told him how I was feeling. That I was struggling, and that my injury was back. I slowed way down and began running on the side of the pack and not in the middle. Miles 9-13 were pretty good, other than that.

We went through a pretty part of Savannah, if I’d known what the rest of the scenery would be like, I probably would’ve soaked this in a little more!

Miles 13-18

I don’t remember much about these miles. We separated from the half-marathoners at mile 11 and then we were on our own. There was more room to run without being all up in someone’s biznazz.

I think I began zoning out on these miles.

Miles 18-22

And this is when I zone back in

On mile 18, my leg flared up again. I walked, but this time I didn’t choke back tears. I knew there was no turning back now. I had 8 more miles to go, and I was going to complete it injury or no injury. It was about this time that we started running on the highway.

And we didn’t get off the stupid highway until mile 25!!! We ran 7 miles on boring ol’ highway with nothing but road and trees around us.

Other than my leg hurting, miles 18-22 went by okay. I remember thinking how heavy my body was beginning to feel. Like every step I took and every muscle I moved weighed a thousand pounds or something.

Miles 22-25

Hmmm…what to say about these three miles?

After I passed the mile 22 sign, I had two thoughts:

1. “This is the farthest I’ve ever ran.”
2. “I wonder when I’ll see the mile 23 sign?”

It. felt. like. forever. between these sign posts! In hindsight, it didn’t take me that long to reach them. But, at the time, with every passing mile, I remember thinking two things:

1. I can’t stop running.  Because if I do, I won’t start up again. MUST. KEEP. GOING. I could hear my phone going off in my Camelbak, it was Jason calling to check on me. I had ignored his texts because I needed full concentration in order to make myself run. I needed to stay in the zone with no distractions-otherwise, I would start focusing on how painful my injury was becoming and how much I wanted to be done already.
2. I just want to be done already. My mind began registering how bad/heavy my legs and body were feeling. I began telling myself to make it to that tree, or make it to that column up there…

At mile 23, it felt like the sign posts were moving farther and farther apart and like I’d never see the end of that stupid interstate!

And finally, at mile 25 we were directed off of the interstate to run the last final mile

Mile 25-26.2

I remember seeing the mile 25 sign and thinking “Oh my God. I’m almost finished!!!!!!!!”

I picked my hobbling pace to a sprint-hobbling pace and began looking for a familiar face in the cheering crowd on the sidelines.

We ran down a street lines with beautiful oak trees, turned a corner and I saw my mom and Jason.

I allowed myself to cry at the sight of them.

After running for 4+ hours all by myself, alone with my thoughts, I was so. HAPPY. to see them.

I waved and ran towards the finish line, forgetting about the pain in my leg, the misery of being on that interstate, and I let my heart fill with the joy of accomplishment.

I crossed that finish line in a daze. In complete amazement at myself for what I had just done. Six months of training leading up to that very moment, and it was over. I had done what I set out to do I ended up finishing in 4:55. Five minutes shy of the maximum time I wanted to be out there. At first I felt kind of disappointed in myself for taking so long, but then I snapped out of it! I had just run a freakin’ marathon! Who cares how long it took?!!!

I grabbed a Powerade and looked for my mom and Jason in the crowd.

It wasn’t until after I stopped running that I realized how cold it was! That wind made the weather so chilly!

I enjoyed this trash bag-like thing they gave us. I even wore it to the mall around my hip like a skirt. Te he

I think that’s it for now. I think there shall be a Marathon Recap: Part 2 in the near future I still want to tell you guys all about the rest of Savannah visit, the aftermath of the race (specifically on my body/legs), and well…maybe about some new fitness goals I have coming up

Thanks for hanging in there for this long post! It feels good to write it. It feels good to relive it again.

I’m so freaking proud of myself

I was trying really hard not to post today, because what would I say? How thankful I am for everything that I have? So cliché.

But- then I found myself taking a long, hot bath and reaching my journal and pen. The urge to write is so strong, so I’m just going to go with- cliché, or no cliché!

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Grumpy to the full extent. It was like all of a sudden I just thought this holiday to be so superficial. Like, why, on this day, do we try to spend time with family and eat good food? And why, on this day, do we reflect on the things we are thankful for? I mean, shouldn’t people do this more often than on holidays and special occasions?!

It just had me miffed.

My family and I aren’t really the type to get together for Thanksgiving. We used to be, but not so much anymore. No one, other than me, in my family tries to plan anything. And I’m okay with that because I see them throughout the year. And I’m usually enjoying my time with them then.

My grandmother is in a nursing home, and I think about her all the time. When I don’t have time to go see her, I write to her. I see my mom almost every other weekend. And my uncles maybe every couple of months. And I’m always thankful for them. Always.

But this isn’t about me. You know who I thought of while I was eating cranberry sauce and talking recipes with Jason’s aunt?

I thought about the homeless guy that has a little spot underneath an interstate bridge on my way to work. Everyday I pass that spot and glance up that way to see if he is at “home” or not. Sometimes he is. He’ll be lying under the one sleeping bag he has. Other times he isn’t, and I’ll wonder what he’s doing. Sometimes I want to stop and leave him things, but I haven’t enough guts to do it yet. Yet being the key word.

I worry about that man.

And the other men, women and children that don’t even have a place to stay, let alone a “Thanksgiving meal” they can eat or go back for seconds for.

My world view has really changed this past year. Drastically. You know how I know this? Because when asked what I wanted for Christmas, I found myself saying “You don’t have to get me anything…I have so much already.”

And I do. We do.

Sure, it would be nice to have a few new books to read…or maybe a new blender, but that’s stuff I can get for myself. What about the people out there that just can’t seem to make ends meet? What about the folks out there that don’t even know where their next meal is coming from?

You see guys, I’m not just for helping animals. My heart breaks when I see homeless people. Or people that have to “put a few things back” at the grocery store.

When I was nine years old, I was riding the school bus home in a busy part of Charlotte. We stopped at a red light, and looking out of the window, I noticed an old woman holding a sign that said “Help me please. Hungry.” And, of course, in my nine-year old brain, I didn’t really think, I just reacted.

I put my window down, took my neon blue and yellow lunch box that had leftover Cheetos in it, and threw it out the window to her. (Truth be told- it hit her right in the face-!!-which is definitely not what I intended, and you could tell she was shocked and embarrassed, as was I). But, she picked it up and looped it through her arm for safe-keeping.

What’s the point of all this? Is this just me writing a post about what a saint I think I am?

No, I assure you it isn’t…though it probably is sounding that way-again, not what I intend.

I guess what I’m trying to say (?) is…open your eyes. It’s so easy for us to get bogged down with our own problems and forget that people live far harder lives than we do. It’s easy to take a hot meal for granted, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the materialness of the season…it’s even easy to wish for something more for yourself.

I think I’ve just discovered that I don’t really want more for myself (material-wise). I have enough as it is. Hell, I could probably get rid of half of what I own and still be okay.

So, the moral of the post is…when you are writing out your Christmas list this year, or sitting down to an immense amount of food that you will live off of for the next week, please don’t forget about the less fortunate. Please have them in your heart as well.

You know,  I bet “bridge man” has/had a family he used to see on Thanksgiving. Maybe one day, if I ever get the courage to take him a few things, I’ll find out.

No, you don’t? That’s just me? Oh well.

I’ve sobbed in dark closets and now I’m okay (And yes, that’s meant to be plural -“closets”. There were more than one, people! Don’t judge, it was a rough week.)

If you’re wondering what happened to Sophie, I’ll give you a little timeline on that:

Sophie gets out—> Sophie goes missing for 3 days (having a ball in CatLand? chasing mice? getting hit by cars?..BINGO)—>Sophie comes back with a limp (I scream ‘Hallelujah, my baby’s back!!’ at the top of my lungs upon seeing her)—>Took her to vet for limp—>Vet declares she was hit by car, all paws in back left paw crushed—>I pay $794 for vet visit (Trixie was seen too, but that’s another story)—> I go home and mourn the loss of my college savings for a week straight. The end.

PS. We now call Sophie, “kickstand” because she uses her leg as a prop, and it’s always sticking out like the kickstand you would see on a bike. It’s hilarious.

And our other cat has earned the name of “Dumptruck” because he got out, rolled in something, and came back smelling like straight-up garbage. We don’t allow him on the furniture, at least not until the stink passes.

Don’t get me wrong: I am very thankful for my pets health and will do anything to keep them that way, but now I only have $300 for school next semester, and that’s about the cost of one book these days.

So wah wah wah That’s over and it’s a new day/week. And things will be better <—see? better.

In order to recoup from my meltdown, I ignored Facebook for three whole days (3 days, ya’ll! What, what!) and got myself back into nature before the temperature drops for good.

Jason and I took Trixie to the mountain for a two mile hike. She only made it one, but I still think she enjoyed herself (new smells to smell!). It. was. glorious. to be surrounded by nature. I’ve said before that being in nature and with animals has somewhat of a spiritual effect on me…and it never ceases to amaze me how peaceful and calm I feel when walking through the woods, or shoving my face in my cats fur, for that matter. Meow.

I also decided to BAKE. Because when I can’t be in nature, baking soothes my soul

OMG- what if I could bake in the woods…that would equal awesomeness. I’d be set on the feeling of ‘peace’ for the rest of my life!!

Backtoreality- I started skimming through the various vegan cookbooks I have, when I stumbled upon Cocoa Banana Muffins  in Eat, Drink and Be Vegan.

My reaction: “Um, you can have cocoa  in muffins??????? Why am I just now finding this out?

And so I baked And the end product was mighty tasty if you ask me (and Jason). And you do. You do ask Jason and I.

So here is the recipe for these little chocolately loaves of goodness.

Cocoa Banana Muffins

(this recipe can make 6 or 12 depending on how many muffins you want)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups + 2 Tbsp. plain non-dairy milk
• 2 Tbsp. flax meal
• 1 cup barley flour (I substituted all-purpose flour)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup banana, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp. canola oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. In a bowl- combine milk and flax meal. Stir, set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine flours, sugar, salt, spices, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder. Stir until combined. In milk/flax mixture, add banana, syrup, vanilla, and oil. Stir until combined. Add wet mixture to dry, folding gently until all ingredients combined. Line muffin pan with liners (spray them with cooking spray!). Spoon mixture into liners, bake for 23-26 minutes.

Viola!

In other news, it looks like Jason found the dry erase markers I’ve been hiding. I always write the menu for our week on the dry erase board that is stuck on our fridge. And this morning I woke up to this:

The booger pudding should be delicious, can’t wait to share that recipe! Not to mention the Alpo sandwiches, Trixie will be jealous for sure. But she’s 13, so she’s at the age where she can finally start making her own damn sandwiches.

“But I don’t want to make my own sandwiches.”

No worries, I’m just kidding I will forever be making her sandwiches.

I’m off to go take my neighbor to the store, she’s out of SunDrop and peanut butter. And there’s no way I’m gonna share my pb with her again! Get cho’ own.

See ya!

….for any of us…..*sigh*

It’s a dreary, rainy Wednesday here Makes me want to snuggle back into my bed and read all day But grown-up life awaits!

Today is going to be a short post, mainly because I wanted to get on here and announce the winner of my giveaway, and also because I wanted to ask you guys to please take a minute of your day to sign the petition

I’ve created regarding the use of downed animals in our meat supply.

I first talked about this here, but here is the gist of what’s going on with this right now:

The National Meat Association is trying to overturn a California state law that says downer meat is not to be put into the U.S. food supply. They, instead, are supposed to remove the downed animal from the slaughter line, euthanize it, and safely dispose of the carcass.

What does this have to do with you?

California is one of the largest beef producers in our country. Their meat is sent to grocery stores, restaurants, and even the National School Lunch Program across the nation.

Downed animals usually have more health problems than those of ‘healthy cattle’. They have increased risk of E.Coli, Salmonella, and BSE (Mad Cow Disease).  These animals are sick.

The NMA wants to overturn this state law because federal law states that  “meat companies can sometimes use/sell meat from downed animals.”

They just want to make more money. Period.

But at what costs to consumers?

I don’t want you to get the wrong idea: I am not advocating the way these animals are treated, I am simply trying to keep the current law into play. I do not condone any factory farm, or it’s practices, and as you guys know I care deeply about these animals.

My concern: If this state law is overturned, other state laws – more than likely ones involving animal rights/cruelty law, are going to come to light and people will begin to say “Well, if federal law says I should be able to do this, then I should be able to do it.”

Anti-cruelty laws are usually made by the state.  We can’t let the NMA win this one!!!! We need to keep tainted beef off of the table. Please, please, please take a minute to sign my petition. Thank you so much for your support.

http://www.change.org/petitions/help-stop-use-of-downed-meat-in-our-meat-supply

And the winner of the giveaway isssss…..

Ashley! Congrats Ashley. Please send me your address to raderana@yahoo.com and we’ll get the necklace of your choice right to ya!

With that said, allow me to share with you some of my random thoughts from the weekend:

Random thought #1 – I wish I was cool enough to pull off skinny jeans.

Random thought #2 – This weekend I learned that my boyfriend uses bad grammar around strangers on purpose because he thinks it’s funny. And this whole time (umm, the 3+ years we’ve been dating!) I thought he was just grammatically-challenged. Example of this:

Person to Jason “You and your grandpa run a fine appliance business.”

Jason to person “Yep, a lot of peoples seem to likes our appliances.”

 Usually, I’d be on the sidelines shaking my head in pity, until today…when I found out that he does it on purpose. Now I think it’s hilarious.

Random thought #3 – I find it funny that my mom still asks me what meat I’d like at Thanksgiving. Haven’t touched meat in going on 4 years, mom! Get a clue! Haha. Last Thanksgiving, she swore to me that her stuffing would be “vegetarian” because she was making it with cream of chicken soup. “It’s cream of chicken, Stacey. That’s not real chicken.” And this year it’s: “Well, I know you don’t eat ham, so what if I buy a turkey?”. Tsk, tsk.

Random thought #4 – Must lay off of the ‘Walking Dead’. Nightmares about zombies eating my flesh = scurry stuff.

Random thought #5 – Store bought vegan parmesan is disgusting.

Random thought #6 – This weekend my neighbor came to my house just to give me one those humungoid icing-covered honey buns. You know, the one’s you can buy at a gas station for $.50? She then asked me for a slice of cheese and Tylenol. WEIRD.

Random thought #7 – I . LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

Random thought #8 – Went to the Panther game today. We played so terribly, it hurt my eyes just to watch. As we were leaving the stadium, a little boy (with ice cream all over his face) came running up to his sister and said: “Well, that game was AWESOME!!!” and she replied “No it wasn’t, stupid! We LOST. It was freaking terrible, you IDIOT!” Ahhh, teenage sisters are the best, aren’t they?

Also- we saw another little boy that had collected a lot of programs that he had found on the ground. He probably had about 20 in his hands, and yes…he was trying to sale them to people leaving the game…hahahahahahaha  

Random thought #9 – Made a pot of pinto beans this weekend. My first time ever cooking dry beans (except for lentils)!! I was really excited about how they turned out. So excited that I made up a ‘bean dance’ while I wait for them to cool in the kitchen. (PS. 3 bean-meals later, and I don’t care if I ever see another bean in my life! Too. many. beannnnsssss.)

Random thought #10 – Jason and I practiced our M.C. Hammer crab-walk today. I think we are getting quite good at it <—video worthy, but didn’t have it around…

Random thought #11—Found out that my shampoo and conditioner are cruelty-free = awesomeness. Now, if I could just find a sunscreen, darn it!

Random thought #12 – Polished my grandmothers locket this weekend. I found it in her old jewelry box a while back. It was hidden behind the music box, and was such a treasure to find. I can’t wait to find a chain for it!

Speaking of jewelry…

It’s giveaway time!

The lovely folks over at Shabby Apple are giving away a necklace to one lucky reader this week! In order to be entered into this giveaway, you will need to comment on this post, and head over to Shabby Apple’s Facebook page, click ‘Like’, and BOOM! You’re entered! (U.S. Residents only, please)

The winner will get to choose one necklace from the following list:

Key to My Heart – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-688-key-to-my-heart.aspx
Key To Wonderland – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-690-key-to-wonderland.aspx
Light as a Feather – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-684-light-as-a-feather.aspx
Lost in Wonderland – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-693-lost-in-wonderland.aspx
The Duchess – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-694-the-duchess.aspx
The Queen’s Rose – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-685-the-queens-rose.aspx
White Rabbit’s Time Keeper – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-686-the-white-rabbits-time-keeper.aspx
Through the Looking Glass – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-689-through-the-looking-glass.aspx
Unlock the Queen’s Castle – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-687-unlock-the-queens-castle.aspx
Dark Secrets of Wonderland – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-766-dark-secrets-of-wonderland.aspx
Poker Face Alice – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-768-poker-face-alice.aspx
You’re All Mad – http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-775-youre-all-mad.aspx

(I personally like the ‘Key to Wonderland’ )

The winner will be chosen Wednesday morning, so you have until about 9 a.m. that morning to enter! Good luck! Feel free to check out Shabby Apple on Twitter  as well!

That’s it for now, peeps. I’m supposed to be working on a presentation, but I just don’t have it in me (that’s what she said?).

Going to join the boyfriend on the couch! See you Wednesday!

PS. Be sure to check out The Home-Cooked Vegan on FB!