I don't subscribe to any sort of label (unless being a nerd counts), my glasses are in place to correct an actual vision problem. I like poufy Mad Men dresses because I am a former drama geek with a flair for the dramatic (and I don't watch Mad Men). I like yoga because I'm normally a bit high strung and I enjoy the focus aspect which also helps with my fear of flying. However, it seems that if I'm not wearing loose fitting flowy clothes and talking about how Mars is in Aquarius or have a full on tat sleeve with baby bangs than I must not matter in the vegan world.
Take one of my favorite vegan bakeries in DC. It will remain nameless as I don't want to embarass them and I actually do like the food there.
The first time I went in I was so excited because I had just started being vegan and was eager to learn everything and try as many different things as possible. I made a special trip just to try out the pastries and walked in with a huge smile on my face and said..
"Wow, this is amazing! So tell me about your food...which is your favorite?"
The two hipsters behind the counter seemed as willing to tell me about the pastries, or anything else for that matter, as I am to see New Moon with my mom. Not to be discouraged I bought a peanut butter chocolate cupcake (all vegan AND delicious!) and took it to go. I figured maybe it was a slow day and they were just disinterested in life, or offended by my Uggs, who knows?
Sidebar: I have worn the same pair of Uggs for about 4 years. I read in one of my vegan cookbooks that If you are attached to a particular item from your pre-vegan days, it is ok to keep it. Those boots keep my feet warm and cozy and I love them. The key is to not buy anyMORE items like it. Anyway, flashforward to today. I had a particularly grueling day at work due to the swine vaccine yesterday that kind of knocked me out. After work I drove over to the bakery because my friend Amanda raved about their grilled cheese sandwich which is made with Daiya, a plant based vegan cheese (I'm trying to cut way back on my soy intake). I once again walked in all smiles and sunshine and ordered the grilled cheese and a cookie.
Once again I was met with a disinterested emo kid who would rather be writing songs about oppression with his band named after some obscure quote by Nietzsche, then taking an order from an excited, starving, bubbly girl. I paid no mind again when I sat down to eat and almost devoured the counter along with the sandwich. It was absolutely delicious. I went back to the counter to ask about the cheese and where I could get it. Lo and behold, the place sells it! Joy of joys!
He pointed me in the general direction of where to find it, but without my glasses and also with the general haze I'd been in all day , I couldn't see it. He shouts out an incredibly helpful..
"It's right in front of your face!"
"Oh." I said finally seeing it right where he said it would be. I smiled through my embarassment, paid, and left.
We have to make this lifestyle accessible. It isn't for people who think they are better than everyone else because of the way they live their lives, who judge someone for eating meat, or wearing fur. Our job is to educate and let others see for themselves how this lifestyle can change them. I tell people all the time how I had so much trouble with my disease, now it's miraculous how my health has turned around.
I enjoy being in the kitchen and creating delicious meals that I can walk away from feeling light AND full, without wanting to take a nap two hours later. My dad has come up with some awesome recipes and has picked up the slack in the last month while I'm taking a break to gear up for "Vegangiving" (there will be NO tofurkey).
If I can change just one person's mind, be they diabetic or not, I would be ecstatic. THAT is the true test of a person who believes in what she's doing.
The other day as I put my groceries on the conveyor belt at my local co-op, a man packing his reusable bag began to tell the cashier about "those people" who never bring their own bags. I had actually forgotten mine that day, but I forget sometimes, we all do. I spoke up and said..
"Well, I actually forgot mine today. However, I still do my part by patronizing places like this and in other ways. Everyone forgets sometimes, but they make it up by doing other things."
The cashier smiled as she rang up my things and handed me my paper bag of groceries. She knew I would recycle it and even if I forgot my reusable bags the next time, she would still hand me a paper bag with a smile on her face, confident that I'm still doing my part.
One down......lots to go
