So I found an interesting blog this morning, with quite the catchy title - "Too Vegan to Function" Hah. (I'm sure there are quite a few vegans laughing right now, myself included.)
http://toovegantofunction.wordpress.com/

It really is incredible how social interaction becomes the greatest challenge of veganism (Not that we are somehow all antisocial freaks!). But most people assume that finding food is the hardest... which it really isn't. Honestly. The hardest is when you sit down at the restaurant with your omni friends and munch away at greens in a sea of flesh. Naturally you don't want to come off as condescending in any way, but it does hurt you, too. The key is to recognize that veganism is a great path, but can be a sad one at times. You've got to keep your life full with other things in order to maintain your sanity.

So, I found that blog to be interesting. . .

The Mountain Goats at Farm Sanctuary??

John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats

This is pretty stellar: (http://farmsanctuary.org/mediacenter/2009/pr_zoopII.html)

Indie Rock Legend John Darnielle from the Mountain Goats Returns to Farm Sanctuary for Zoop! II

Sold-Out Concert to Benefit Nation’s Leading Farm Animal Protection Organization

Watkins Glen, NY – June 9, 2009 – Forty years after Woodstock, music— and animal — lovers have another reason to flock to a farm in rural upstate New York. Back by popular demand, indie rock legend John Darnielle, Peter Hughes and John K. Samson of the Mountain Goats will return to Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter once again this Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 for Zoop! II, a weekend of intimate, solo acoustic sets, shelter tours, camping and a communal bonfire to benefit Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization.This one-of-a-kind musical experience, named after a lively goat who arrived at the New York Shelter barely able to walk, and now sports a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg that keeps her zipping through the pastures, offers concert-goers the unique opportunity to meet the benefit’s namesake, as well as the hundreds of other rescued farm animals that live at the shelter, camp and picnic with new friends, and tour local attractions in beautiful upstate New York.

Darnielle, hailed by premiere music magazine Paste as one of the “100 Best Living Songwriters,” alongside such greats as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, describes the first Zoop! as “one of the absolute highlights of ten-plus years as That Guy From The Mountain Goats.”“We are thrilled to welcome John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats back to Farm Sanctuary for Zoop! II,” said Michelle Waffner, Farm Sanctuary’s education director. “The first Zoop! raised critically needed funds for the hundreds of rescued animals we care for at our New York Shelter, and the fact that this year’s concert sold out just days after we opened registration is a testament to Darnielle’s amazing talent and loyal fan-base.”The hyper-prolific, highly literate and militantly lo-fi musician’s first benefit for the sanctuary in 2007 was an overwhelming success, drawing attendees from all over the country for a magical weekend that is still talked about today.

Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter, located next door to Sugar Hill State Forest, just west of Watkins Glen, is open for tours from May through October. Daily guided tours provide visitors the unique opportunity to learn the stories of the hundreds of cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and other farm animals that call the sanctuary home and spend time interacting with them. Summer tour information is available here:

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/farm/newyork/ny_tours.html.

I just came across this video and found it to be quite horrifying. I have to share it... (Disclaimer: this content may be innappropriate for very young viewers, or any individuals heavily discomforted by animal abuse.)

Wegman's, Part I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THGD-55WGdU

There are 3 parts, totalling 30 minutes, and I highly recommend you check out at least a few minutes of the first clip. It's definitely worth your time, vegetarian or not. Plus you know you're not actually going to do much with those 3 minutes.... Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

For Starters...

Well let's see. It's been so long since I've blogged, so let's give this another try.

My name's Lauren and ive been vegan for almost a year now, and am loving every minute of it. It undoubtedly has its ups and downs, but it has been such a rewarding experience. I just feel like there isn't nearly as much dialogue as there should be about vegetarianism---from all perspectives!-- I hope that this blog can ultimately foster some discussion, as well as to simply provide a piece of support for all the other veggies out there. Keep it up!