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.

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.