Eco-Friendship

I bought an eco-friendly dress for a very important wedding in a few weeks. It was extremely important to me to wear a dress that reflects my values to this person's wedding. Jennifer has always not only accepted me for who I am, but expected me to be who I am, for better or for worse since we were 10 years old. She knows I am not flawless, but she embraces those flaws as a fundamental part of who I am. In all things - she is pure support. She is an amazing soul and her presence in my life has been a blessing for the past 19 years. Because of her unwaivering support, I wanted to wear a dress that was me - through and through because I knew she'd never accept anything less! I strive to be a better person because of her. I saw how she interacted with her students and knew I needed to get my behind back into the classroom if I truly wanted to be happy! I am better because she is a part of my life and on the most important day of hers, I will be there, being me.

Simple things aren't always free...

But at $8.49 for $62 shoes & $14.99 for $85 shoes, they are certainly close! I FINALLY found my Simple EcoSneaks (2 pair) and Simple Green Toe Shoes! I wore a pair of the EcoSneaks yesterday and they were super comfortable even though I was running around and on my feet for most of the day! I'll find some more... just wait...

Anger

Anger is a dangerous thing. It is a foolish weapon because it always backfires no matter how carefully you hold it. See, I was angry because I could not find a pair of vegan friendly shoes. I searched for hours on Monday and hours tonight, and still... no shoes. I found a pair I LOVE that are $85 online, but were under $15 at Ross, but they did not have my size at the two stores I checked - every size but between the two. So out of anger I took a package of break & bake cookies that I had for my students and ate all of them... Now my nose is stuffed up, my throat is sore, my eyes hurt, my ears ache, and I cannot breathe properly because I am having an allergic reaction to the dairy products in the cookies... Yes, anger is a dangerous, foolish weapon... and I am a fool for trying to use it.

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...

Leather & Jeans

The grooviest thing about being vegan is that my body is going down without a whole lot of effort on my part. So when I went to the store today to try on jeans, I happily stepped into a size smaller than usual without much fuss. Now, I know what you're thinking... I thought you were going all organic? Thing is, I'm a teacher and that means I work for the joy not the pay check. So certain compromises must be made. I decided to try to find 2 pair of jeans and that's it (I currently have 4, one that are about to die but so comfy and make my butt look awesome and three that I can't stand). One pair for work and one pair for looking hot on the weekends! With this thought in mind, I went searching and discovered a pair of $178 jeans at Marshalls. Now, normally, I wouldn't step foot in this store and since the tag said $39.99 usually I wouldn't even look at them, but I took in six pairs and these were one of them. Of course, they were also the ones that looked the best (my butt was a star!). I was actually going to buy them until I considered that they'd have to be my work jeans ($40 people!) and they were so long that I'd need 3" heels. Now we only wear jeans on Fridays and I can only wear 3" heels on Mondays or Wednesdays unless the kids are testing. I put them back, but I will miss them (I REALLY looked hot!).

Meanwhile, I discovered a new company that makes bags that I HAVE TO OWN while I was looking for shoes at REI! I loved the name Haiku, but then I looked at them and they looked like leather - so groovy though, I thought as I went to turn away. THEN, I noticed the label that said VEGAN FRIENDLY! That's right people, these hot bags are 100% eco-fine! Yes, $70 is a lot to pay for a tote bag, but I was gonna spend $40 on jeans, so we've already established that I've lost my mind. My bargain shopping family may have to disown me... but man am I gonna look good!

Back to trying to find them cheaper online...

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...