About Me:

How I became a veggie: I was a vegetarian on and off for nearly 15 years, until I went vegan January 2006. I did it on my birthday as a gift to myself and to the world, but I don't remember actually making the decision to go vegan; I just remember setting a date and doing it.

The timing generally corresponds with a major life evaluation that resulted in the formulation of my ideal self - the person I'd really like to become. I will become. After years of tedious jobs, meaningless relationships, and half-accomplishments (I think those are called failures), it occurred to me that I'm actually going to die someday, and I can die having dragged myself through this life acquiring this and that, or I can die with a sense of having contributed something positive to the world. I chose the latter, and became a champion quitter.

I quit dropping out of college and went back to finish my undergrad; I quit all animal products; I quit my bad relationships; I quit smoking; and I quit my job to go onto grad school full time. That's where I am now - on the path to becoming the person I want to be.

Veganism as a facet of my ideal self is important. I don't want to contribute to anyone's suffering, or the cumulative suffering in the world.

Do you remember that transcendental meditation experiment done in Washington, DC in which crime was actually reduced during the experimental meditation period? I'll find the link for you if you want - let me know. Anyway, whether or not it's factual, the idea that our thoughts, energy, positiveness, negativeness can impact the world around us obliges us to be happy and positive. And no one can be happy or positive while consuming death, disease and pain.

A lot has happened since I chose veganism - I graduated from grad school, and I met and married my soulmate! :)