An Argument for the Earbud Generation

The blanched wires protruding from the ears of the 90s generation perforate the sidewalks, classrooms and dinner tables across the country. Until recently, I have found the earbuds and their agent Mp3 players to be used excessively in public arenas. It has been brought to my sudden and alarming attention that the earbuds and the music they transfer may in fact be brining more humanity into the user than the dull social environments they are intruding into.

This is not to say that listening to your iPod during a family get together or in the middle of class is okay; it is rather a defense of why one might want to do so. It seems that the emotional response to one's music selection is far more enlivening than the superficial conversations on sidewalks everywhere. When walking across campus, I usually pick up on last nights debauchery and sexual explorations, or the chatter of who dissed who on whatever town is being featured in the wealthy annoying housewives genre. Yet, while walking across campus with my earbuds inserted, I was far less annoyed, excited by the tones ringing in my ears (an actual emotional response!!!), and was more keen to the wind and sun and how they enhanced my listening experience. Yes, I had a very hippie moment.

So when we encounter those who we feel are anti-social, perhaps they are instead anti-our societal dullness and are instead searching for real emotions, real connection, real humanity. Give the earbud generation a break.

Mid Twenties and Getting back to my school years

When is the last time you picked up your high school yearbooks? I was thinking about one of the best people I have ever known tonight, Morgan. I was really missing his smile, and reached for my Junior year book. Talk about a blast from the past. Although I am still admirably immature and just beginning my life, I still can't believe how much time has passed and how much has happened from the age of ignorance and bliss. Some amazing people wrote some amazing things about me in this book....and almost everyone wanted to hang out that summer once school was over. I wish I had hung out with a lot of those people, just to put the empty words into memories. Man...yearbooks. I encourage everyone to take a peek at their high school yearbooks this summer. If you recently graduated, relish in the fact that you are starting the next page in your chapter. For those that have been out for a while, take a moment and remember how far you've come, or reconnect with the dreams you had. Who knows, maybe you'll find new inspiration, or thank God that you aren't anything like you were back then.

Didn't Quite Make It

Alas, my Vegan experiment did not last the full 30 days. However, I have tried some amazing new recipes and foods that I absolutely love.

I am now in full summer mode. I am enjoying a few weeks of uninterrupted cessation before commencing an English course for the summer and adopting a new job. Hopefully I will be able to find employment as a server.....those wily tips could really come in handy for text books and the like this fall.

Plans for celebrating our great countries day of independence this year are up in the air, yet will hopefully include amazing company and delightful ear candy. July will be full of reading and working as my bestie Lou will be heading to Guernsey for the month. I guess I can't be too sad about it, but I am allowing myself to be very jealous! International travels for me this year: not likely....unless I come across quite a bit more spending loot!

Oh My Butter!

I am about half way through of my 30 day vegan experiment and am really struggling. I am feeling really restricted for some reason, even though I am trying all sorts of wonderful recipes. I am craving cheese pizza and an onion bagel with cream cheese.
Last night I had a spot of butter with my bread, which was worth every bite! I am extremely tempted to say I've had a good run, have learned a lot of healthy eating choices, and will stick with a vegetarian diet (which I have done in the past) once I am through. Man.....the next 2 weeks are going to be a struggle!

Vegan Update

For those who are wondering, I am still on track. The end of the semester has proven to take over most of my time with papers and projects. I have added a few new things to the diet included vegi-dogs (which are delicious!), Malt-O-Meal and Quinoi! I am loving this journey, although I must admit that I am struggling with the thought of no soft serve ice cream for quite a few more weeks! I have noticed a sharpness in my mind and have felt a lot more energy over the past 9 days. I don't know if it is because of what I'm eating or my positive outlook, but either way it's great!

Days 5 and 6

Walking into the grocery store today, I was surrounded by a pleothera of fresh bakery aromas and enticing pre-packaged snacks. Advice to all, NEVER go shopping when you are starving! I made it out with a bag of quinoi, walnuts and vegetable stock. Whew! It was a close one!

Day 5

Breakfast:
Homemade granola with almond milk

Lunch:
Barley Bake
Spaghetti Squash

Dinner:
Organic whole grain penne with spaghetti sauce
whole grain bread with almond butter

Snacks:
Pumpkin seeds
dehydrated apples

Day 6

Breakfast:
Malt O Meal

Lunch:
Romaine Lettuce
almond butter sandwich

Dinner:
Pumpkin/raisin/flax seed muffin
Yam and leek soup

Snacks:
1/2 avocado
pumpkin seeds

Days 3 and 4

Yesterday was a bit of a challenge when I joined my sister for brunch. She ordered a vegetarian eggs Benedict dish with fresh asparagus and yummy holandaise sauce. I was salivating when it came out with my Asian salad...but after diving into my salad I didn't feel deprived. I've felt refreshed the past two days, and once I can get my sleep schedule back to normal, I suspect I'll be feeling great!
Day 3
Brunch:
Chips and salsa
Asian chopped salad: greens, cabbage, pineapple, crispy noodles, almonds and ginger vinaigrette.

Snacks:
Pumpkin seeds
1/2 avocado

Dinner:
Spaghetti squash with a drizzle of olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning
Edamame
Home made apple chips

Day 4
Breakfast:
Homemade granola
Almond Milk
Kiwi

Lunch:
Brown rice
spaghetti squash plain
baked beans

Dinner:
Barley and vegi bake with onions, carrots and celery
~Topped with an almond butter/onion/garlic cream sauce