Okay, so here goes. I usually say what's on my mind and in my heart. Why should I hold back now? Something really big is going to change in my life, so why not share my story? It's something not alot of people understand, so think what you want, to each their own.
I'm going to become a Vegan.
Not a weird sign toting hippie that condemns others or anything like that. I don't think I'm "better" than anyone or "healthier" than anyone. This has actually been coming in my mind for awhile, I just never liked that many veggies to think I could commit to it properly. (I prefaced it with a warning because so far the responses have been, "UH, WHY?" and enter strange look/tone)
I've read "Fast Food Nation," which put me off fast-food burgers and "Skinny Bitch" which wanted to put me off all food, lol. These were read within the last 6 months, and lately with my experimenting and trying new foods, I looked into vegetarianism (sp????). It's something I tried as a kid, but with your parents cooking for you, things get difficult to control your food. When Shane and I would do long road trips, I'd look out at pastures when driving by cattle or whatnot, and I'd say, "one day I'm going to stop eating meat".
Well, that day has come and I start tomorrow (today technically). I heard of a site that eases you into becoming a vegetarian, and I figured if I had some help (menus, recipes, facts, things to order at a restaurant, etc) i'd be in good shape. Here's the thing: I've never liked that idea that when I'm "eating meat" i can visualize the animal walking around and having a life BUT then it's gone because I'm eating it. I've never enjoyed that feeling.
Shane gave me some funny looks today when I told him of this plan, and I said, "listen, I'm doing this for animals. Not for weight loss, not for attention, and I won't push it on you. BUT, you know my feelings now, so the only thing I want from you is understanding and support."
Maybe it was looking at one too many pictures of animals in slaughterhouses, maybe it was the fact that I don't even like killing flies if I can help it, maybe it was lots of things combined, but I'm FINALLY going to act on it.
If you'd like to follow my journey, I will continue to blog and it will be a strange transition, but one that I look forward to, not fear. The other day, the fact that I ate all these peppers that I used to *think* I hated let me know I could do it. The only thing out there that I really DON'T like is officially an onion. And ONLY raw onions. Grilled ones, I like. lol.
So, this is the plan: For the next month I will be vegetarian. That means NO meat or eggs. AFTER that one month, if it was as easy as I actually think it will be, I want to continue and become a vegan, which will mean that I don't eat anything to do with animals. No milk, cheese, egg/egg white, etc. Some might say that "milk doesn't hurt an animal" or you "need protein" but go to "goveg.com" and you will read things that inspired me to make my decision. So, I signed the pledge they have on that site and starting here and now (may 9th now) for one month it will go. wish me luck, though I don't need this. I'm doing it for my soul, so I can't see anything going wrong. lol.
love you all, and don't worry, i'll never get preachy, BUT i might share facts that i learn, and i don't expect you to agree/disagree, i will simply share knowledge that I get and if you keep an openmind, that's all I hope for.
Have a good and happy friday today all of you,
Ash

weight: 139.5 as i assumed

lbs to hit goal: 4.5

time to hit goal: 2 weeks from today