Officially Insane

I bought the $72 tote bag.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. I have officially gone insane. What's worse, I'm too happy with my bag to care. I cannot wait to start dragging it everywhere I go! Also, my clothes from Mountains of the Moon arrived yesterday! I tried on everything and immediately had to write a letter to the company telling them how amazing their clothes are! Of course when I got the package at first I was shocked. The clothes were shoved into one of those tyvek mailing envelopes and I just knew they'd be all wrinkled and it's not like I iron! But sure enough, out they came, neatly folded and not a wrinkle to their name! I wore the off the shoulder avocado top yesterday and felt amazing! I was waiting in the airport for a couple hours and I was perfectly warm the entire time without a jacket - there's a first. I love the way great clothes make you feel. I hated the jeans I had on yesterday, and yet they were transformed into the perfect outfit because I loved my shoes, my shirt - even my underwear. Clothes have the power to change your perspective. Knowing that my clothes demonstrate my dedication to changing the planet makes my persepective a lot rosier. I'm not at the top of the mountain yet, but the climb is starting to really get fun...

Vegan Outreach

When I became vegan, it was because I was mad... mad that I'd spent my whole life avoiding addictive substances and behaviors. The idea that I was truly addicted to cheese, as I'd often stated in jest, sent me over the edge, and I have not looked back. I have been happy with my decision. Pizza tastes better without cheese, as does a salad, chili, sandwiches, and everything else I used to believe needed just a little cheddar or feta or swiss...

However, during the past year veganism has introduced me to not only a new side of myself, but also new requirements in my daily living. I believe that the beautiful thing about veg*nism is that you get to define your own state of being. There is no wrong way, or right way, no one looking over your shoulder waiting to chastise you for making the wrong decisions. Throughout this journey, I've discovered that I have become addicted to myself. I want more for myself. I want organic beyond my food. I want to eradicate the abuse of not only animals, but people through my purchases. No longer do I feel a thrill at getting a good deal at Ross, now I feel exuberant because I found a great hemp/tencel blend skirt that's machine washable for under $40 at Mountains of the Moon. It was worth searching for three days to find an organic curly hair product that is free of everything from proteins to parabens.

Yes, I spent my whole life avoiding addicted behaviors, but I'll happily forgive myself this one... For I am addicted to giving myself the best, inside and out...