3 hours to leaving. 30.8.13

Few hours to I go now.  Stuff is all packed up. It has been a great trip.  I had a dream last night whereby me and my family were going up the stairs of somewhere filling with water. I felt some fear like it was associated with the current issues with Syria. The water stopped when we got near the top and we had to wait there. It was a strange dream, not really horrible though.

I slept quite well last night with a bit of the electricity jolt type thing again which I do feel relates lots to my Vegan and not drinking life.  It seems in particular maybe as I haven't been drinking at times I would've been doing in the past.  It feels good though. Rather than heading into meaniglessness and numbing feelingds it's becoming more aware.

Last night I could look at my list and people to catch up with and know I'd seen everyone.  Similarly I could reflect on how I felt happy about how I'd kept my Vegan sanity and related my Veganism with everyone well.  Getting a friend the book because I felt they could be interested and sharing Vegan food with people.  I really do feel I've found a part of my soul which was always lacking before.

On the tattoo front I felt last night I could almost go ahead with the one design I have now really.  I'll just see what comes up over the next two weeks then will book in again.  I will get it done soon.  The labyrinth and sun shows a lot for me and just that desire to have a cool tattoo of meaning is all good now.  That one design is 'good enough' I feel for sure.  I'll see what else comes up then make a decision.  I do hope for one more design of the labyrinth and sun then to go ahead. 

I feel I took a risk maybe to send NZ friend Diet for a New America but feel even if it serves just as deflection it's worth it.  It concerns me that as I become more connected and if he keeps going on about eating animals as acceptable then we will drift further.  I need to keep cultivating and finding my way well.

I feel kind of good about the trip back and how I can make a good week.  I want to make some plans and hope this writing can be ongoing to all parts of my mental health, particularly Vegan sanity but also around drinking, running and whatever else comes up.  It feels good to think of the next few months and continuing this writing process.

Will add that I've really been enjoying reading 'The Lucky Ones'. Really attaches us more to that deeper meaning.

Saying bye to Gran and accepting folks drive to airport

Said bye to Gran tonight which was sad but not too sad.  It was good I made the decision not to drive her home which seems like trying to make things sad which just isn't necessaary.  I packed a few things and am getting some good feelings about what it will be like back in Auckland.  Still a bit tense about the whole flight but know I'll be fine when I'm on there.

My folks spoke today about driving me to the airport so clear that's what they want and I feel happy going along with it really for their sake while being in good management of myself throughout and managing my emotions through it all.  It has been a really great trip and I do hope to come back in 2 years. :) :) :)

Farewell dinner out. 28.8.13

Had a great dinner out at Purplse Pakora again with Mum, Dad, sister and Gran. Was a really great curry again.  I had a vegetable dansak the same as last time. Was really great.  No issues whatsoever throughout the whole of the day again regarding being Vegan.  It would seem the mission to be veganly sane throughout my trip has gone really well.  There are no other major challenges expected.  It has been much much better than expected and just a new journey of my experience as a Vegan to actually come back and be comfortable with me being Vegan.

Today (29.8) I thought a lot about my friendship with my long term NZ friend and the rift my being Vegan has caused but I know that it is right and I will keep cultivating myself well with my spiritual development group to develop my compassion well and my Vegan friends to get that support to keep making the right decision forward whatever that is.

It has been a wonderful trip.  Last night I really enjoyed not drinking alcohol again although I did feel some temptation I really realised as I slept so peacefully (that was it, peace, a profound sense of peace) that it was a really great thing to not drink alcohol.  I am crowding it out. Love and Peace as a friend sometimes says on her messages.  I have more of a sense of that now.

Today is feeling somewhat stressful as I'll have my bye to make to Gran.  I feel not taking her home is best to stop it being too sad.  That holding on to that last moment doesn't seem right to me.  I'm not sure if I'm cutting off emotion.  It rather just seems emotionally responsible.  I'm really thinking that getting a taxi tomorrow would be best too.  I'm going to introduce that later.  Again I just don't like making it sad unnecessarily.  It feels weird and not appropriate.  I just want to obviously feel what's important to feel but have that good adapatation to change, like I've had a great time and we're all moving on with life and all understanding. That seems the way.

28 August so far. dentist and my new tattoo design

Well the day started off by getting a sample tattoo design, see above.  I'm just letting it sit with me for a while.  It all seemed more real when it came through.  I want it to have a labyrinth but wasn't sure of that one on the design at first but now thinking it could be good.  I wanted it to have the native american sun symbol with the seven rays but wanted it to look organic too.  It looked a bit bland just as it was originally.  This has 7 rays which are longer and I do particularly like the dotted artwork.  The labyrinth again will embrace birth death rebirth and progress. the traditional sun symbolises similar things but the particular native american sun is about peace and the healing arts. I'm wondering if it has enough of that in.  I'm going to cancel my appointment on monday anyway but I'll get a new design coming through too with the other labyrinth design.  I'm going to sit on it a bit to make sure it's just right. I want to make sure it is really what I want.

Went to the dentist and got 2 fillings. Never a great experience but glad it's out of the way.  i think the anaesthetic has made me feel a bit odd too. Didn't sleep so well or so long last night either. I was up late last night and kind of needed a bit more time to rest. I really want to wrap up my trip nicely and make a smoothe transition back. It's been a lovely trip with no Vegan issues.

As I write again I hear my parents looking at my new book I mentioned in the last post and discussing the cruelty of debeaking. It's great they're getting more aware. 'They have no right debeaking them' were my Dad's words. Good on him.

Tattoo update

Well I've been booked in to get my tattoo since before I came here.  I was due to get it on Monday next week in the morning.  I've been excited but never heard back from the Tattoo artist in the first 2 weeks of August as expected.  I had mailed a few times and never heard back.  I was actually going to mail to cancel and say I was a little disappointed not to hear.  I'm glad I didn't do that.  I decided to phone and she said she had been ridiculously busy.  Although she didn't say as much it seemed that she had somehow forgot about my appointment next monday.  I will now get the design in the next few days then will cancel my appointment and sit with the design.  I still hope to get it in good time before the marathon.  I wanted it when I got back really but a bit later will be okay.  I thought it would've been a nice coming back treat and affirmation somehow but nevermind.

I was thinking it may not be meaning to be but it still seems most likely on the cards and I'll just keep following myself with it all and what feels right. I've been tempted to mention it to people but have barely done at all other than my tattood friends really when it's come up. I guess it is very personal and individual.  I do feel like I'll be more me somehow.  Not something to rush into.  I wish it could've been sorted by now but now it seems best to get the design and really get it sorted aiming for over the next month or so. :)

Anyone like to share anything about their tattooing experiences? Any tattoos with particular meanings to you?

27 August. Saying bye to 2 people

Today I met an old good friend and we went for a walk out again.  I was able to take over some Vegan cake for him and his girlfriend which felt cool just to express that sharing of Vegan stuff and to be integrated and involving and promoting.  It was strange as I guess at the end it was a saying bye really.  We hadn't seen eqach other for 4.5 years until this last month and now it will likely be atleast another couple.  There was a handshake.  he's not a man hug type of guy and that's okay.  I felt good in the sense of being a person now who can cope and work well with change.  I think of Tao masters I've met who have this overall connection to things and seem able to understand more that fundamental idea that change is the only constant.  I'm getting better at that it seems but I'm not there yet.  I'm hoping to feel that in the rest of my trip as I finish off.

At night I visited a cool girl -friend.  We joke we are like brother and sister. I felt sadder leaving her than my friend earlier but it was all good on the whole.  I do feel it's important not to make it too sad.  We had some nice times and we'll keep in contact.  We have good affinity with one another I believe and we'll meet when we're meant to.

She said thanks for Diet for a New America but doesn't want to read the factory farm stuff.  That's all good and fair. She is vegetarian anyway.  Hopefully she'll enjoy the health stuff.

As I write this it's interesting over hearing my folks and sister talk.  My Dad is speaking about the cruelty of the current killing of badgers for supposedly weeing on hey causing the cows to get ill.  My Dad is saying why can't it be just fenced off properly rather than shooting them.  My sister's reply was 'we need to all just become vegan'.  It's cool to hear that as I write this as sad as it is.

I've started to The Lucky Ones by Jenny Brown.  A very Veganesque book.  About a lady's fight to help farm animals.  It makes me so sad that so many people aren't able to open their eyes more.  Again thinking back to the blog post about the hardest thing about being Vegan.

Monday 26th. Run. Meeting an old friend. Football, football culture, ego and now Vegan

Today I met with an old friend at 2pm for a drink in the pub.  I stuck with soft drinks (see my other blog).  I chatted with him and his girlfriend which was really cool.  The only vegan thing that came up was him saying so I hear youre Vegan now.  I just said yeah it's been a lifestyle change in the last year and it's worked out really well.  There wasn't any judgement and it was just nice.

I got out for a run after. See my run blog. That went well.

Later I went to the football with my Dad. The first match for 4.5 years.  It was funny how a lot went through my mind.  I enjoyed the match.  An interesting 0-0 draw and nice to be at my childhood teams ground 'Old Trafford' again. 

I thought back to a few days ago when a friend posted something on the Vegan page of football fans celebrating with a slogan along the lines of 'how great would it be if these people could be so passionate about something that truly meant something'.

It made me think about what a big part of my life football has been.  Getting so excited, in tears over matches and now I truly feel I have accessed a deeper part of me.  The excitement is still there for football but I kind of realise there's something so ego about it.  I feel there must be some soul in the art form but I feel 99% of what all fans feel is all about ego.  I'm sorry if that sounds arrogant but it's my observation.  It's all about attachment to.  The excitement of the goal and winning.

It's strange to feel back on all that part of my life and wonder if it was all just a waste.  What did it really mean in the great scheme of things.  It was cool but maybe a lot was just surface that I misunderstood as having real depth.  I thought of everyone in Old Trafford.  Likely people who ate meat regularly.  The small proportion of Vegans and that brainwashed mentality of giving it no thought at all but looking away.

In my spiritual development group we speak of working with the heart (subduing it) and that makes sense.  Being vegan helps that so is such a great grounding in life.  It stops that attachment to things like football for me I guess.  I thought about the SAFE campaign of people holding the dead birds which I couldn't go to and made me think that that's what truly means something and a key to truly make a difference, by altering the foundations of how we eat.

Life is changing so much now.  It's so weird to think of all the football arguments and the stupid dramas around it when it should never be like that.  Great to really be looking at spiritual teachings and people like Gandhi and Einstein for what's important. I love how they talk about vegetarianism.  It does seem like my Veganism is something so true in m life that really makes sense.

23rd to 25th. Trip to Newcastle

Arrived and my friend had made a Vegan curry which was great.  I was really grateful for their consideration and thanked them for this.  There were only a few questions just asking about my becoming vegan and I was able to be very cool and calm about it.  It was good that at no point did I feel I was being hassled or anything.  It was interesting how they mentioned sometimes enjoying having some vegetarian food and mentioned too how one of their parents was quite anti vegan food if they were out and it was offered as an option... a kind of but none of us are vegetarian kind of response.  It made me think again of that quite rigid thinking.  I think too of the idea that eating meat is in fact a cult.  I'm thinking this could be a topic to write more about.  My friend in NZ had this same quite rigid thinking and is dominant in meat eating.  I guess similarly without really knowing why and being closed to change.  The meat eating cult again.

The next day we had a lunch out and it was easy for me to veganise a salad I had without the cheese that would've come with it.  They had some soy milk in which was good so I was able to have some nice cereal and fruit which was cool.  I appreciated that.  My friends ate meat but I felt cool and happy that they were doing their thing and being respectful to mine.

It's interesting again though as deep down I don't ultimately respect people actually eating meat.  well I respect the people but I don't feel they are aware enough to make the best choice.  I've tried to understand this and I guess it's fair for me to understand and respect where people are at right now and that I can help them move forward.  I get upset when people are judgemental of my Veganism when I guess I'm the same about them but the thing is it isn't each to their own as I've said before.  We are leading the movement forward.  Is it self righteous? well it's certainly righteous but I think self -righteous is a negative term.  As Vegans we do guide the way forward for the way to eat.  It's something I firmly believe doesn't have a counter argument ultimately, like Feminism doesn't or equal rights for black and white people doesn't.  It's a positive social movement and we are pioneering this change.  It's that responsibility I need to keep coming to terms with and proudly take on board as part of my responsibility to the world.

On Saturday night I made a curry from the step by step menu from the Revive book which was great and I sent them the recipe when I got back.  I hope that can help them a bit.  I did say you could put other things into it as I felt that was best to be kind and not indoctrinating but hope they can make a choice to have a vegan day or to make some even minor steps in that direction.

I felt great on Saturday night to not drink alcohol and had just one the day before (more in my other blog).  I had a few dreams too which I think were linked to this. Again in my other alcohol blog.

This morning I was able to get lunch at a coffee shop and veganise their vegetarian breakfast by having battered potato rather than an egg.  Was happy I came through it all well.  I got the train back feeling all cool and calm like it had been a very pleasant weekend.

22 August. Day out with family. Meal out at night

Had a great day out at a farm and at Tatton Park with the family.  Ate good Vegan food throughout and enjoyed just connecting and feeling good and calm and patient throughout.  The evening had a few interesting Vegan moments while all being great.  We ate at a pizza place and I met a couple of old friends I hadn't seen for ages.  I knew there were Vegan options so expressed before that the choice was all good with me.

I gave my order and asked for all to be Vegan and felt totally comfortable in me doing so.  At the table my person to the left offered me some 'baby lamb' as a joke.  Again it's strange how horrible it is to write but I know he totally didn't mean it in a horrible way.  He's just not awake yet. My friends also had a mini chat about working at a fish market in Australia 10 years ago I was there too.  They then kind of apologised part way through.  I realised they were genuinely trying to be cool and sensitive but I actually worked there too and was able to say it was okay and actually chip in with a silly thing that happened to me while I worked there when a dead fish somehow slapped me on the face.  Again gross to write now but it was funny at the time and fitted the tone.

I very comfortable had soft drinks all night probably the first time I've done that and feeling comfortable in me to do that was really cool.  See my drinking blog for bit more detail.

In a pub later on there were beer mats unusually saying about what nutritional value you could get from eating insects.  I didn't want to get into makor evolution discussion etc but my friend asked what I thought and I said it would seem to make sense that since we descended from apes that in the past eating insects could prove useful and be easily digested.  Seemed fair enough.

We had a chat too about my Vegan cake I'd brought over to a friends house.  It was again interesting as my friend spoke again totally from a good heart about if you could tell the difference and then wondering if it would be different from a 'normal cake'.  It's funny how we learn to see that a chickens period in a cake is normality.  Again not berating him at all, not coming from a bad place in anyway but just seeing things from that omnivore angle while making efforts.  all in all a great Vegan evening. :)

end of 21 August

Had an incredibly powerful day today and felt emotional at the end.  I had a good walk out today with Ric and took some great photos.  It was later on when our family friends came over. We had a load of Vegan food and shared.  I was asked as usual about being Vegan which was all cool.  I'd bought my Dad 'Diet for a new america' and it was interesting how my Dad actually started to talk about how cruelly animals were treated and how we just turned a blind eye to it and talked about cows getting killed and how horrible it was.

My sister said she never knew he cared so much afterwards.  My Mum said how he'd always loved animals.  My sister and me then had a conversation about bringing a kid up Vegan which I said I thought was right and for me would be a no brainer.  My Dad then said about how sad it was but how it wouldn't make a difference if we stopped eating them.  I said how it would and how it would keep spreading outwards which was positive.  My Mum then said about she looks at it as each to there own and I explained about it being like a movement similar to how Feminist movement helped women to get the vote and it was about helping others to see clearer.

I felt it was all cool and a good Vegan promoting evening mentally for everyone.

20 August

Had a great 3.5 hour run. see details on my marathon blog. Felt good and energised.

Had a nice evening with Kelly at the comedy night again.  Enjoyed eating lots of good Vegan food throughout the day.

19 August

On a trip out with the family to Castleton for a trip through the caves.  Named comically 'The Devil's arse'.  Was all really good and was nice to spend time with Gran particularly.  Had loads of good Vegan food throughout the day and constantly feel stocked up on all the goodness I need and finding out more about nutrition etc which is always really enjoyable.

I read some of my You can do it Marathon book which I feel is definitely going to help me come through Auckland Marathon on 1 November.  I also got some DHA pills delivered after doing quite a bit of research and realising a top up of this could be a healthy option for me at this point to be sure i'm really getting all I need.

It's been great how becoming Vegan has really gone hand in hand with constant interest and research into food and nutrition while at the same time enjoyiing cooking too (the cooking part atleast while I'm in NZ anyway)

I'm thinking when I get back to NZ I will be getting onto the Thrive diet idea by Brendan Brazier to help all the marathon stuff.  I can tell how since I saw my folks last I am calmer and more compassionate.  I know i have cultivated well in NZ.  I feel it's my personal development group and then becoming Vegan which are key.  Food really is thy medicine.  I think too of that great study about the Vegan diet being used in a prison to great effect.  It does seem like it constantly just filters out of my being :)

18 August

Today I enjoyed meeting with Kelly for a good walk around Ashton and was good to talk a bit about Vegan life.  In the evening I went to the Tao group in Sale and enjoyed chatting to Andrew.  Was all pretty cool. Again just talking about Veganism was good.  In the middle of the day I enjoyed getting some almonds and some brazil nuts.  I love learning about nutrition and it was interesting reading about selenium and how a great source of this is brazil nuts.  I'll start eating more.

Feeling pretty veganly sane for sure.  Want to get more chia seed at some stage too.  I've missed cooking a bit but overall has been nice to have family cook for me as a change for a while.

17 August 2013. Meeting with 2 friends

Met with Stuart.  He was just politely interested in my Veganism which was pretty cool.  He told me openly about some things he enjoyed to eat such as duck eggs.  He seemed interested in the whole idea how I'd got into Veganism from the personal development group as an idea of compassionate living.  I could reflect on how my life has deepened since I moved away and became Vegan and how I got involved with the spiritual development group.

Met with another friend in the evening.  I noticed a lot more here from the Vegan angle.  I could think a lot again about the hardest part about being Vegan as quoted in the other post I did.  How he's a great person but really doesn't think much about eating animals at all as I never did.  I thought of a friends post on Facebook about Veganism not being a cult but actually meat eating being a cult since it is what we are just told to be true from being born as Vegan then not really knowing why we are doing it but defending it.

He by no means had a go at me in any sense, we are friends and he's a respectful guy but it was interesting how eating meat is just part of who he is and the things he said as I wrote in my other post about a friends partner eating folie gras sound narcissistic when written but I know from their tone it is just a blindness and a lack of awareness.  This friend is a smart guy, smarter than me but yet was not able to see or morally engage on that level. 

He mentioned how on Facebook lots of my friends seemed 'quite extreme' in their views.  He mentioned about an animal 'not being a person, they don't have the same developed consciousness'.  I let this go and he was being fun and jokey but while meaning it and I guess missing the point that this lesser consciousness doesn't mean they don't have a right to live since they clearly want to and we don't need to eat them.  Again the whole idea of Vegans being extreme is funny to me now as I think of us eating a load of stuff that grows then think of images of a slaughter house.mmmmm which one is extreme ?

Similarly he mentioned at one point certain animals 'being useful to us'.  I guess again a very speciesist attitude but more ingrained as his normal.  I noticed too how he mentioned about some friends being vegetarian so didn't mind vegetarian food every now and again but didn't like having more than one vegan meal in a row as he would 'start to feel weak'.  Again very interesting perception.  The idea that somehow we need meat and it makes us strong.  Again the complete brainwashed cult mentality we are just indoctrinated with which contains no truth.

Overall a very interesting day of seeing how Veganism plays out.

rest of 16 August

Had a great one hour run last night and dinner leftovers with some potatoes.  Spent time in the evening relaxing and reading my new running book by Jeff Galloway which seemed really inspiring.  I spoke to people from the Manchester Tao group which was good so may see them on sunday I think could be cool.  Today I'm about to go and meet with Stuart and will see Dave later.  Will likely have a couple of halves.  Still rather not drink at all but it is being phased out.  All linking with my new blogs I started yesterday as I prepare for my first marathon and doing it as a Vegan person and giving up alcohol.

15th night and 16th morning

Had an interesting night out with 2 friends last night.  Was actually good on the whole while making me realise I'm in that phase of just becoming more strongly Vegan over time and becoming the new me more and more.  We went to 3 pubs and I have to just admit I didn't feel strongly enough in my new identity to not drink alcohol although did my best to search for Vegan beers.  Whereas I'm confortable on the whole as a Vegan I'm not comfortable in my pretty much non drinking self.  That's something that's still developing.

I had a bottle of Peroni and 2 bottles on Tiger.  I knew Tiger was Vegan and found out today Peroni was which made me happy.  The atmosphere was actually really pleasant and I wasn't drunk enough to fall into silly arguments.  I imagine if my other friend from NZ had been there that could've happenend.  I'm just a bit annoyed I didn't feel good enough to go for a run today.  I feel though maybe between now and my next visit here I will more solidify myself as a non drinker I feel and hope anyway.  Whereas I do enjoy the little buzz to some degree it is something I have crowded out and just enjoy the feeling without it more and my greater sense of clarity e.g. going for a run this morning would've felt good.

While out I was asked about if I stopped buying stuff like leather which I replied I had.  There was a bit of conversation happened to come up somehow about animals being killed and I was able to mention Earthlings.  Not in an indoctrinating way but just a passing on of information.  I said I would recommend anyone watch it once.  It seems it planted the seed.

It was interesting as I really noticed the whole thing I read in this blog 'The hardest thing about being vegan' about well meaning people just not being interested or being blinded to think it's okay to eat animals.  In a totally non narcissistic way as we briefly discussed Earthings my friend asked what animals you see being killed and I said about the cows, chickens etc.  My friend said jokingly, oh just ones that are food then.

It was really interesting.  My friend is just a really good guy and writing this now makes it sound like a deliberate cruel thing to say but I could tell from the way he said it there wasn't any knowing genuine malice at all in his voice or attitude.  He just hasn't woke up yet.

we walked around and my friends made a couple of jokes about the different shops such as the cheese shop which I would have no use for.  All of this actually felt pretty good natured humour which didn't bother me.  I was happy though I hadn't drank more and another friend wasnt there as I think I could've potentially bought into more of an argument which he no doubt would've pushed so I'll be careful when I see him back in NZ.

My friend also told me about his girlfriend having a Folie Gras burger.  I couldn't remember what it was but then remembered.   He joked about how this is made.  It really saddens me writing this because again I know he's not a malicious person at all but is just completely desensitised to this and just sees it as the norm as so many others do.  I kind of shrugged it off with a joke 'Noooooo!!!'

I hope between now and my next trip I can become stronger in me as a Vegan and in my non drinker identity.  That seems the way forward.  Although drinking isn't non vegan it somehow seems to go hand in hand to work to eliminate it due to being more conscious and spiritual perhaps.  Maybe then I can be a better Vegan advocate too and be taken more seriously.  All a step at a time I guess.

I'm happy I definitely won't be drinking alcohol today.

14 August and bit of 15th (7:30 pm)

Had a relaxed evening last night watching 'The girl next door' which was fun.  I was feeling not so great I think it was hayfever so had a pill.  Today again I've felt a little bored and missed NZ a bit.  I spoke with my Doctor to see if I could get a DHA test and then had to explain to him what DHA was again showing how little Doctors know about nutrition and any kind of natural health. Was quite amusing but bad too.  I managed to get some pills online for a good deal.  It does seem like the body converts it to atleast some degree but Vegan experts sometimes recommend a supplement too.  I figure you can't be too careful and do value my own piece of mind

http://www.nuique.com/omega3/
http://veganhealth.org/articles/omega3#dhasup

Here are a couple of links.  One is to get the DHA pills and the other is by Jack Norris who writes about Vegan nutrition, etc.

I met with Karl and Barbara today which was nice.  Great to see them both again and treat them to lunch. 

Meeting with Ric etc tonight which should be nice.  I enjoyed connecting with a few Vegan friends on Facebook today.  I didn't go out for a run as still not feeling 100% after last night.

Again I'm missing NZ and was good to get that feeling supported from a friend back in NZ.  Really want to have a soft drink night again tonight.  I just feel so much better like that. 

Was good to send my latest ebay sales today. I do almost feel a bit lost for stuff to do at points.  Tomorrow will be good to have another day out.  It is all that not feeling an actual connection with being.  My trip is all about seeing people.

I've booked my ticket to Newcastle and feel quite good with the upcoming plans and like I'm doing the best I can with my time here.  It doesn't excite me unbelievably much but I am doing the best I can/ :)

Tuesday 13 August and bit of 14 August

Don't think I did so much in the day time other than a bit of reading and using the computer.  I got a little bored in fact and did a bit of reflecting using by dictaphone about how happy I am living in NZ while at the same time making the very very best of my trip here.  I had a great evening with Kelly at the comedy night at Jabez Clegg.  Was really funny.  Again keeping completely and utterly veganly sane throughout has been great.

I'm writing this on 14 August and now I'm researching a bit into DHA and am getting a bloodtest to see mine is okay.  I was reading some criticism on the internet of the China Study and although I don't wholly support that book I do feel the criticism was poor on the whole.  Nonetheless I will keep researching. I kind of can't be bothered getting my DHA checked now but will go through with it and keep moving forward however.  I do feel I would have really let myself down somehow if I ever stopped being Vegan.  Being a good healthy member of the Vegan population is paramount to me.

It was good today (14th) to get out for a short run for 30 minutes and to think a bit about doing the marathon and doing a marathon blog. I've been thinking on my tattoo also and it does seem to be something I feel I have to go through with somehow.  It just seems part of me becoming more me.  I don't feel I'd get another after this one but this one does seem to make sense for me somehow.

I'm enjoying using my dictaphone more to record different thoughts around what's going on.  Today we went to the caves in Stockport which were really cool and interesting.

Mon 12 August. Walk then a beer. dinner and film

This morning I sorted out some more stuff on evay which is going quite well.  Quite a few bidders. I had some lunch at home then went to ric's house for 1pm.  We had a really great walk around the fields of Mossley.  Was good to see some British countryside again.  Quite eery as we had a conversation about the Moors murders which were in that area.

Ric asked me a bit about becoming vegan in a really cool nonjudgemental way and even reassured me at one stage he wasn't trying to trip me up which was very cool.  He asked about eggs and what if they were free range so I was trying to explain how it isn't really much different from being caged which he seemed to understand.  Similarly he asked about cow milk and I said about the cow being kept pregnant and turning babies into veal.  He seemed to get this too and said how him and his partner don't eat so much meat thesedays.  I would've volunteered some information about veganism or more plant based eating but it didn't really seem appropriate as he did very much seem on his own journey with food and interested which I thought was cool.  To start talking about books etc would've been too forceful and served no purpose I felt.  I thought though with the other friend in NZ that the buying of a book was helpful to help him and to also provide some deflection from me politically.

We planned to meet again for another walk at some stage soon and to meet on thursday.  We had a beer after the walk and I have to say I really regretted it.  It was a san miguel which I know is Vegan unless from the Phillipines but it didn't feel good after.  I could feel some effects of it and it made me think a lot about what a friend said about having a Yin property similar to eating meat in terms of the more detrimental impact it has on our psyche while we should be trying to stay in Yang.  I came home and slept a short while and felt a need to kind of get on track after it.  I stayed up later than I would usually due to that sleep then ultimately slept in later.  I do want to generally stay clear of alcohol where possible and can see I made the wrong decision there. 

It was cool how nonjudgemental Ric was.  I need to get more comfortable in myself as a nondrinker maybe the same as I've done with being Vegan and then other people will accept it more I guess.  Definitely no drinks on tuesday or wednesday atleast then I'll make clear plan for thursday.

I've enjoyed writing this so far to keep my sanity and also as a log for how everything has been going here.

Sunday 11 August. Selling stuff, charity shield, friend

Spent quite a bit of time in the morning selling stuff on ebay.  Was good to feel like I'm getting rid of stuff that I really don't need and will never use while getting some cash obviously in the process.  Had lots of good food throughout the morning.  Watched United and Wigan at 2 pm in the charity shield.  That was kind of cool although I spoke a lot on my dictaphone about my feelings around football.  How it's been such a big part of my life in the past and now although watching a game is kind of cool it seems linked with that whole brainwashed ego culture.  I feel I've moved on a lot and felt good about my cultivation in the spiritual development workshop and my Vegan lifestyle.  I feel they have certainly given me a much deeper connection to life than I had before and I'm really greatful for that.

I couldn't help but notice how horrible it seemed that the charity shield was sponsored by Mcdonalds.  It seemed so vile.  You could see it on all the adverts at the side of the pitch then at the end they announced the McDonalds man of the match. So vile!

It was good to meet friend in town in the evening and go to Ning.  It was great they had some good Vegan options highlighted as such.  I had one beer which was a San Miguel which I didn't know at the time if it was Vegan or not.  I wasn't bothered about drinking but Kelly had one and it felt like the right thing to do.  I thought of a friend who visited old friends and did go along a bit.  It felt like I was doing my best.  I found out today it is Vegan unless it's the Phillipines one.  I would rather not drink but do just go along a little socially.  I will find out a few more definite Vegan beers though so I'm safer in future.

It was a good night out having a meal and playing pool.  Just annoying that one train didn't come meaning I waited an hour at the station.  My main thoughts were around the football as above and also how I'm completely detached from drinking alcohol.  Although I haven't been drinking much at all in NZ for ages it has been coming back here I've really noticed it due to still doing it a reasonable amount up to when I left here at start of 2009. 

I recorded a lot of thoughts about this on my dictaphone.  It seems strange that it's something that was the source of so much fun from being 16 and still good few drinks every week or so at 28 almost 29.  Now though I genuinely have no interest at all.  I feel happy I've got to that stage and feel it can only be a progression.  I feel happy that I've moved on and somehow have a deeper connection to life than I used to have and it seems to be deepening.

Saturday 10th. Visiting Gran. Meeting some old friends family

Had another nice pleasant day yesterday.  Got to visit my Gran in the day for an hour and in the evening met with parents of an old friend with my folks too.  I felt totally comfortable not drinking alcohol as I was with another non drinker.  Experiencing that non drinking is the general way I'd like to head.  Just had a very short chat about my Veganism in terms of my decision around compassionate living and minimal harm etc and how I felt really good from it.

I found this interaction around Veganism and with my friends a few nights ago to be just really pleasant and cool which really makes me think that those who have the negative reaction are those who ultimately feel the most defensive about what they are doing.  It seems though who show an interest are maybe more in touch with it being the way forward and being open to change etc.

I recorded on my dictaphone last night about how my life has changed and that sense of things unravelling somehow.  England seems so repressed sometimes and just that feeling of being in pubs, a real pub culture around drinking etc.  It's something that I have no real interest in being part of at all.  It seems so kind of ego driven and linked with that class divided nature of the UK.  I love my life of just having people over for dinners, dinners out, running etc, it all seems so much more real.  I'm happy that I'm enjoying my trip here while feeling no desire whatsoever to live here again.  I do love NZ and that feels great.

This morning (11th) involved a bit of a rest in and again eating well.  My smoothie first thing then porridge with nuts etc.  I was thinking I may go for a run but haven't found time.  I'll meet my friend for dinner (Manchester restaurant with Vegan options) then a soft drink I guess.  It should be nice being in town with her.  I ordered a marathon book.  You can do it by Jeff Galloway.  I guess I'm looking to the Marathon on 1 November now and I may likely do another blog when this one ends after my trip here so I can have a log of that journey too for my memory, my motivation and to maybe give a link to others going through something similar.

The aim will just be to complete the marathon and this seems like a good book to help with that.  I love the idea of doing it as a Vegan person too. I only believe being Vegan will give me more of an edge but nonetheless with it not being mainstream I always feel like I'm standing for something.  I will love wearing my Team Vegan T shirt with pride. This book should support that.

Today I also ordered 'Diet for a new America' for a friend I'll meet tonight who I think will like it.  She is open around food and change etc and we link a lot on the Counselling level.  I feel it can help her whilst also supporting the cause of making a better world etc.  I also bought it for my friend in NZ who was initially judgemental.  This actually serves a few purposes.  Firstly it is helping a friend who seems interested in food and health while knowing nothing about it.  It is also obviously potentially helping the world become better while helping him to make better choices. Finally I feel it also works on an underlying political level almost whereas it will make him less likely to promote eating animals to me since he has that book and if he says it's not a good book etc I can remain open minded and allow him to recommend another (all seem to point in a more Vegan direction). It can just be an open showing of learning together while holding my faith that still deep down we are ultimately all Vegans. Sorry if that sounds arrogant but it is my stance. :)

Friday 9 August. Farm, meeting friends, curry

Had a great day this day.  I'm realising now how this blog is more turning just into a personal diary of my trip while I keep my Vegan sanity and just enjoy my whole trip to the UK.  So far actually keeping my sanity hasn't been so hard at all.  I was just worried it would be.  I got out to a farm with the folks and sister which was actually really cool.  It was nice just to allow myself to feel compassionate towards animals.  It does seem such as important thing in terms of feeling that real connection to life as a whole.  It all reinforces my Vegan life for me.

I made a curry to take to my old friends' house.  It was great to enjoy a shared curry and cake with them.  They really enjoyed it all and they seemed just interested and accepting of me as a Vegan person.  I think my bad experience with my closer friend in NZ lead me to think others may be similar but it hasn't been like that at all.  I wonder if people who it impacts on most are those who somehow feel the most guilty inside? 

I'm going to send on the cake and curry recipe to my friends who I met with.  I consider that a great success!! :) :) :) Just had one beer with them.  Again I'm happy not drinking but just for sake of being social since I hadn't seen for 4.5 years.  I can't be absolutely sure the beer was vegan but it's one of those where operating on principle of least harm is the best way forward and I didn't feel like refusing would've been so kind.

Aug 8th. Thursday

After a nice lunch at home went to Trafford Centre with Sister.  We looked around the shops and I got some great clothes bargains.  We then went to see 'The World's end' which was very funny then had some dinner at Tampopo.  It appealed to me particular since it had listed Vegan option.  I had a Chap Chae (Korean noodle dish) which was pretty cool.  It was interesting how American it was in the Trafford Centre.  I guess the whole shopping culture etc too is quite different than back in NZ.  Had a good conversation with Lindsay about life in NZ, relationships etc.  I honestly said how I couldn't imagine living in the UK again.  The trip is going well though and I'm so happy I haven't had any problem keeping my Vegan sanity really well up to this point.

Knowing I'm going to write on here is really nice so I can remember what I've done and write about any issues that come up.  So far it's been a great ride.

7 Aug. Dad's birthday

Today we went to Ordsall Hall, the War Museum then Purple Pakura restaurant.  All of which were superb.  I enjoyed using the dictaphone a bit to speak about frustrations.  I thought about my friend in NZ I think I'll buy the diet for a new america book for.  I think when he comes out with stupid things knowing that I've bought him tha book will bring me a bit of distance knowing I've done all I can and to take a step away from him somehow. It will make it less likely for him to say stupid things when I'm armed with knowing I've passped that to him.

It's good reading Human Change Processes by Mahoney.  I feel that could help a bit in understanding how people change and maybe helping me to spread Veganism more.  I sit with a champagne now.  I don't want to drink alcohol really but have been tea total all day and now saw it as polite to join in with my Dad#s birthday a bit.

I need to be more confident just in me and expressing me.  Speaking to a friend today I felt cautious to say that I don't really drink or what I'd like to do.  I need to be bolder in that.  It comes from just feeling comfortable in me.  I need to keep working on that.  Also I feel a bit cautious around saying about doing the run walk method when I run.  Again I need to just be more confident in me.. it's just all been a while.

I'll keep using the dictaphone and keep writing on here to stay in contact with me so I can keep being strong.  I have some good stuff coming up with meeting friends over next few days and hanging out with sister etc.  I can keep it all up a day at a time.

I notice constantly as I keep enjoying my trip that I feel no desire at all to ever live here again. :)

Run then meeting with an old friend. 6. Aug

Had a great morning in going out for a run for almost 2 hours and not feeling so tired.  Seems the marathon training is well on.  Was good to make the Vegan cake as linked on my other post.  I then made a step by step curry from the Revive book then went to Emma's house.  It was great to see her again after 4.5 years.  She really is like a sister and I know she thinks of me as a brother.  A really cool relationship.

It was interesting on the Vegan front I guess she was surprised to hear how the optimum human diet is plant based and she said about wearing a leather jacket etc went through me a bit.  It was good we were able to go around that a bit.  I'm really happy she enjoyed my curry.  I was impressed with her writing. 

It's good now I have my dictaphone I think will help me a lot with mine and all my Vegan thoughts and any other general writing.  I was happy she gave me back 'Human change processes' by Mahoney.  I wonder if that could help me to understand and maybe write more about our brainwashed meat eating culture and the way out of that.

Will be good to spend more time with Emma over the coming weeks.  It was great to talk about dreams too and chakras.  My dream before I went to NZ was very key as were my few dreams there too.  Was okay to have a couple of beers but really feel I've outlived it.  It's like I'd rather not drink now in all honesty.  It is a drug and I prefer life with out it.

Frustration

I really hate it how we can't get through to everyone.  I think of people who remain so set in their ways and the frustration with that.  I guess though as a Counsellor I need to just look at my response and not try to just focus on changing them.  I need to look at me and how I can best express my Veganism and share with as many people as possible as effectively as possible and choose my battles carefully and just not waste my time.  I guess it's important to look at how I manage myself and my time and just keep moving forward and living life and if it comes down to it I need to accept that friends do come and go and just keep going down my path.

Maybe writing like this and using my dictaphone too will allow that constant expression and allow me to move forward as a Vegan activist as well as I possible can.  It was great to build those connections tonight and in the next few days making meals.  It shows that I'm doing that.

Maybe since there isn't a counter argument to veganism but since nonsense is vented in my direction I should be strong and maybe say I think you should try it if you are genuinely interested in food, health and ethics, there isn't any reason not to.

Maybe it will get to a stage whereas I ultimately won't have time for people like that.  I guess that's something I'll just have to keep writing about and keep managing, finding ways to keep myself sane so I can address it day by day as well as I can.  It does sadden me but I've noticed rifts which I need to accept may never ever find a happy conclusion but will lead to my moving on ultimately.

So what's my plan... to not visit people like that maybe... to stay in my own area living my own life and just meet up at mutual places could maybe be the way forward.  I'm not willing to tolerate that kind of ongoing talk really and I don't just want to be treated as a side show... it's not respectful. My veganism does really need to be acknowledged for it's importance.

I simply can't win on the other territory.  I need to acknowledge that and accept it but I can build my own new base and keep behaving in a way which will cause the most impact positively... like my new labyrinth tattoo symbol I'll get.

It's nice to have this break just to relax and take stock of where I'm up to.  It's scary though to move away from very strong connections.  I guess that's where making more is the way forward.  My new vegan connections... my new life as a vegan. :)

Thoughts about being in England generally

Off the topic of Veganism a bit I can't help but notice how completely detached I am from life here.  I am making sure I do everything I want to in this time which amounts to meeting people, enjoying Vegan life etc.  However as I see old places I used to hang out etc I just feel like I've moved on.  I love NZ and knew I wanted to live there..  Nonetheless I did feel that being here would strike up more sentimentality about my life here before but it's actually not doing it at all.  I know there were fun times but now it's almnost a bit more like... that really isn't so great at all even though it was fun then kind of thinking. Playing video games, my very old girlfriend, going out drinking, football, none of it felt like it was constructive.

In NZ I somehow feel like I'm growing a lot more constantly.  Here I can't help but almost feel a bit weird and trapped.  Ah that feeling when I got to NZ... I described it as 'unravelling'.  I've improved through being there.  Here I would never have become Vegan or running likely. I just can't imagine living here at all.

The whole thing with the Kundalini awakening was part of me being in NZ.  I don't feel that here.  Living here is unthinkable.  I just love seeing everyone here again but it isn't a part of who I am ultimately.  My time is now... in NZ and it's great to feel so good about where is now my home.  It was interesting someone talking tonight about finding NZ boring but I can't imagine it at all.  Here is kind of boring to me.. it's like a drudgery or would be if I lived here.  There's a kind of insular implosive kind of feeling.  It's not constructive and moving forward but rather kind of repressed.  Nz feels freer and like it's moving and growing and more about living life.  I feel more spiritual there and like I'm growing which is so cool.  I guess that's just where my journey took me.

I'l always remember my dream before I went to NZ which showed the anima complex and somehow becoming the newer me :) :) :)

I'm a bit worried because I want to make all I can of my trip and don't want to miss NZ.  I will do my best to live each day here as well as I can and I do feel I am doing that.  I have my list and will keep getting all I can from my trip here :)

Some good Vegan connections and promoting. 5 Aug. :)

Spent time with my Gran and Mum this morning which was cool which ended with a lunch.  Managed to get a pasta dish which was Vegan that was cool in the pub.  I couldn't help but feel weird with my Mum and Gran eating fish.  Feel a bit bad saying that but am getting to a stage whereas I just don't want to be around people eating animals.  The thought goes through my mind of 'To eat meat is a Psychopathic act.'  The diagnosis I support as a Vegan Therapist.  Even though my Mum and Gran are very unlikely to kill anyone, with anyone who eats meat there is an unconscious thing happening out of awareness that feels it's okay to walk over weaker things.  I praise any steps forward though and I'm so happy my parents are now semi vegetarian and my Gran got into my Vegan curry.  They are on the right path :) :) :)

For dinner I went out with a Manchester Vegan group which was cool.  The food was just okay but the connections were nice.  It's good to just share stories.  I got some good details of other Vegan stores etc in Manchester.  It reminded me to put myself out there as Vegan and be a bit bolder.  I shared some Vegan thought on my facebook profile which I don't usually do so much, I usually just comment and like others.  Also I decided I'll suggest to Karl and Barbara going to a Veg restaurant so introducing them to stuff.  Similarly I'll cook for Kelly and for Dunny's family and will take some pride in that.  I think that's the way forward to show how happy and strong I am as a Vegan :) :) :) Really keep living the lifestyle well and that defining part of me.  That's the only way.. to express.

There's a meeting the last Saturday of every month at the Thirsty Scholar in Manchester at 1 pm I may go to next time and I know the meetup like tonight is every monday which is cool to maybe go again.  It was cheap too and the company was great.  They recommended Alternative stores too.  I wanted some hiking boots and the prices were good but out of stock which is annoying.

night review

Was good to link up with old friend Stuart on FB to arrange to meet.  Am bit concerned about ending up drinking beer that may not be vegan so will keep a good eye on that and do what I can.  Ordered the dictaphone which I think could be cool and is worth a risk and could help keep sanity more and help my writing mind.  At the worst its 35 dollars wasted but I will give it a go, it could be a cool thing.  I ordered the Die Hard video game too.  It felt kind of geeky I guess but I feel I need to go easy on me sometimes.  It cost about 4 dollars in total.  I think as a bit of amusement and relaxing time it won't be a bad thing.  I'm too hard on me sometimes.

Was good to use FB more to link with Vegan community out there.  Tomorrow feels nice to think of morning lunch with Mum and Gran then the evening dinner connection with the Vegan group in Manchester.  That should be cool.  I feel happy too that it's confirmed I'll make dinner for Kelly and me on Tuesday.  Feels good that I'm expressing my vegan confidence like that, seems good healthy way to go about things. Similarly I offered to make Dunny and his family a curry.

It's great the United tickets have come through so something else to look foward to.  I will contact Barbara to see if can meet with her and Karl also.  Still bit jetlagged but getting better.  I've got my list to go off of main objectives which I have to say are mainly being a good vegan person while catching up with people and keeping myself well sane.  I feel I can do that and enjoy myself this month.

Bit cabin feverish but okay

Got up after a great sleep and seem to be more or less over jeltag.  Then again I'm still a bit tired now.  I got out on a one hour 30 min run.  Felt like all I could manage just for now but I hope to build up a bit.  Gran has come over so great to see her for the first time in 4.5 years so just relaxing, talking etc.  I'm really glad and surprised she liked my Vegan curry.  I thought we would've had to have got out the emergency pie for her.  I'm glad it didn't come to that.

I ordered Die Hard 3 and 4 from amazon for 1p each plus delivery, not bad.  I was tempted to order a video game then realised that would've been a negative and was showing my feeling a bit trapped etc.  I feel bad to say I do miss NZ a bit, like I did when I was in OZ.  I guess it's cool that I feel so happy ultimately that I live in NZ.  I can't say exactly what I miss, I just love being there.  I'm so happy I moved and being here as much as it's nice being back does just re-affirm that.

I was thinking of a dictaphone I thought could help my vegan sanity more.  Just having something to talk into then get together ideas from it afterwards I thought could help me to stay well and balanced.  Couldn't decide today though.  I am more money conscious now and don't want to throw cash away if I won't use it properly but it could be worth a go.

I enjoyed connecting with Auckland vegan people on facebook and it's good I'll be going to a vegan event here before too long.  will go a week tomorrow if not tomorrow.  I enjoyed actually cooking tonight.  That does help keep my vegan sanity.  Having my Mum cook for me is nice but cooking is something I really want to keep up.

It was really great to speak to Kelly on the phone and feel that Counselling connection.  She's a really cool person and has been a great friend.  A fellow highly sensitive person.  I look forward to getting together on Tuesday.  I'm thinking now I can take something over to her place to eat.

It's strange as I do really feel I grow more somehow in NZ.  Here it has that quite trapped feeling almost.  As I ran around today I enjoyed remembering Club 29 where I used to rent video games when I was a kid and running by where my girlfriend lived when I was 15. So long ago.  It is like just remembering an old life though that I genuinely have no ongoing attachment to now.

I was thinking though how it is nice to come back like this and check in.  I plan to use the ideas from the cool money management book and look at the enjoyment and purpose I get from visiting then how I want to manage time and money to come back here again.  Right now that's a bit unclear.

Nice uplifting Vegan post I just came across

http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/2013/07/19/veganism-is-the-next-evolution/comment-page-1/#comment-19796

lots of vegan esque talking, dvds and lots more great vegan food. Day 3

Had another cool day of just relaxing around my home and outside.  It's so so cool how much more openminded my folks seem to be thesedays.  It seems they're really enjoying their older semi retired years.  They are so much more compassionate in the way they talk about life, health, animals etc.  I guess before they just weren't conscious.

My Dad was saying how he lost 20 pounds over the last couple of years through a more plant based diet.  He was showing me a thing he got from a more enlightened doctor 8 years ago pointing out to move towards more plant based eating and regrets that he was quite dismissive at the time.  He's in the living room right now reading 'Thrive' by Brendan Brazier which I bought for my sister's birthday.

My sister talks about animal rights lots.  I have to stop her sometimes as she started talking about horrible animal conditions.  She's pretty much vegan now I think.  Today I was just recommending she get a b12 supplement which she hasn't done as yet.

My sister and me watched forks over knives which was pretty cool and those same themes.  I wasn't sure if it goes a bit too far maybe.  I am a strong vegan but some stuff concerns me and seems a bit less than concrete.

I do personally advocate veganism as the optimum diet for physical and mental health and that there is no need to harm an animal (to do so is a psychopathic act as some Psychologists hold).  Nonetheless I felt the film clumped fish with meat etc.  I feel fish in non polluted waters wouldnt be so bad on a pure physical level but best not from an ethical angle first and foremost.  Also it talked about being vegan as maybe being the same as plant based but being vegan is a lifestyle incorporating more than just what we eat. 

It quotes the China study a lot which does seem to have good work in it but nonetheless in some ways seems a lot of stats which are interpreted in a certain way and could potentially be seen slightly differently.  It concerns me sometimes as I strongly advocate people to become vegan as a whole physical and mental health optimum lifestyle however I don't want things to become distorted and lack substance for movements towards credibly making animals as food and clothing illegal.  We don't need to do that I don't think.

I do still think however the very main principles of the film are fundamentally correct.  The depressing reality of a brainwashed culture and pretty much showing eating animals is bad for us... eating plants is good etc etc... eating animals causes this this and this.. eating plants reverses.  Such a simple depressing truth.  Shame everyone can't get it.

Great recipe for Vegan chocolate cake

http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/4666/print-friendly.aspx

This was the recipe my Mum kindly made for me when I came over.  Will definitely be making it when I return to NZ.  Doesn't look so tricky. Maybe even I can make it !!!

Aug 2nd. Sanity all good and getting over jet lag slowly. will be good to meet some other vegan peeps.

Ate all similar food yesterday and a great salad my Mum made for dinner which I'll get the recipe for when I return. Went into Stockport to get a phone.  Had a good one hour run out so good to get back into training for the marathon.  Was thinking how it would be good to meet more Vegan people here so will make contact with Manchester Vegans which should be good.  At my folks house is cool and ideal but sometimes just having that actual vegan connection I find really invaluable somtimes.  Enjoyed using Facebook a bit and commenting on all my forums I'm linked with.  Feel a strange undercurrent of tiredness but am holding on to each evening before going to sleep.

I'm definitely going to be making the Vegan cake and the vegan salad from today when I get back to NZ :) 

Aug 1. Great relaxed first vegan day back in the UK. Completely veganly sane.

I arrived back and got picked up by my folks from the airport about 9 am.  Was great to see them and they seemed really well in themselves.  It was a great day and so cool how supportive they are of my veganism (see my other post) and how they have very much been evolving their diet to becoming iincreasingly plant based.  I could see this on a health and also on an ethical level too as my Dad spoke about trying not to buy anything with palm oil in.  Similarly they could really understand what I was saying about the new veganesque documentary Blackfish I'd seen.  Well worth checking out by the way.  During our brief discussion outside about factory farming by Dad gave a genuine 'awww' as I said about factory farmed pigs.

It was great to just really take it easy.  I spent the day relaxing around the home, in the conservatory and outside.  For lunch my Mum made a tomato soup which we had with cool grainy bread and some raw brocolli.  For dinner we had a vegetable curry my Mum made with brown rice and also some potatoes with sweet chilli sauce (something from the Revive book 2 I bought for them).  I love those books.  They gratefully recieved the second one as a present so was great to share my story of how helpful I'd found the first then to pass on the second to help them further to become more vegatarian.

I didn't unpack anything and felt kind of weird all day with underlying jet lag but relaxing was just cool.  Oh as an added great thing my Mum had made a vegan chocolate cake as a welcome back.  Such a great idea I thought and so thoughtful.  It tasted great with the soy ice cream. Do actually feel really greatful for how cool they've been. Obviously wouldn't stop me being vegan at all but would be increasingly more annoying.

In the evening we relaxed and watched Die hard I'd picked up from play.com for £1.80.  So so cool. can't believe it's 25 years old.

An unbelievably great day in Kuala Lumpar :)

I had practically a dream day in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia during my 15 hour stop over.  I met my friends the night before to take me to the airport in Auckland.  I had an idea of how to spend my time then they mentioned that they had some friends in Kuala Lumpar who could potentially meet with me.  I said that would be great.

I was met by Jacqueline and Johnson at the airport who showed me around the city... the twin towers and the main Kuala Lumpar tower (with a trip to the top).  We also ate great Vegan meals together.  Starting with Dim Sum for lunch and other random stor fries etc at a restaurant for dinner.  Also a visit to China Town together.

I feel embarassed although very highly gratuitous that I did not pay for anything the whole of that time other than a DVD of the new superman movie I bought for equivalent of 5 NZ dollars from China Town.

Very very lovely people.  Jacqueline and Johnson belong to the same spiritual development community I am bonded with in Auckland which inspired my decision to become Vegetarian then Vegan initially.  Their diet even if just vegetarian always involves not eating allium vegetables (the onion family) for spiritual reasons that they cause unrest to the heart.  I have to say I haven't gone there myself yet personally but for pure compassionate reasons just love being vegan and obviously my health being super too is great.

The journey to Kuala Lumpar I pretty much slept the whole way.  I was just a little aggrieved that I wasn't on their list for a Vegan meal although had requested several weeks before.  They managed to still get me some food and I just missed out on the breakfast whereas the vegetarian option involved scrambled egg.  I settled for some fruit and a bread roll.

Jacqueline and Johnson called the airline for me to check if I could get the Vegan meal on the way back and just as unbelievable extra support bought me some fruit and a big vegan burger to take with just in case.  Such great people.  They may visit Auckland next year so I really hope I can repay the favour.  The spiritual development group speaks a lot about affinity, possible past lives and being linked to others in that community. That was how I was treated which was very nice and I will repay that.

Overall my Vegan life on the trip has gone exceptionally well.  I remain a sane vegan firmly. :)