A2 Vegan

Moving Daze

2006-09-28T08:31:00.000-04:00

Well, it's here. The day I move. Well, today and tomorrow. I take Lacey to the vet to board in about half an hour. Right now she is blissfully unaware of what is going on. I am packing her off with some of her favorite toys and such. This is the vet that helped me with Maggie. He and his staff are very kind and considerate of my situation. They will do everything they can to keep her safe and comfortable for the night. Even leave a radio on for her to listen to. I am still a bit nervous about it though.

Yesterday afternoon I found out there may be a problem. Seems that I may not be able to move in by Friday. My stuff I can move there but maybe not me. Which means I may be living in my car for a bit. I don't know.....someone was suppose to call me last night to let me know but they didn't. I am suppose to pick up the key this morning though. I hope that goes ok. Seems silly to have a key to the house and have to sleep in my car in the driveway there. Still it has something to do with inspections.

There will be internet connections! If not ready now they will be soon. At least that is what I am told. I am moving my pc last. Just feel like it is my link to the outside world or something.

I had a nostalga trip packing the family things. My mothers silverplate, the Rosa Bonheur print my father gave me when I was in highschool, the woven coverlet that has been in the family for about 200 years.....all stuff I can't sell or lose or give up. Not much but somethings that tie me to my past. Though I always have wondered why my father gave me that print....Horses in a Storm....not even one of her better known pictures....hmmmmm.

Ok, I am putting off what has to be done. Time to get to it.

The Changes in Lacey

2006-09-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

This I just had to share. Ever since Maggies leaving us, Lacey has been a totally different cat. She is loving and playful. She is even getting a bit fat. She has always been very indifferent to food....ok down right fussy. Now though she just can't seem to get enough!

I discussed it with one of the ladies I work with and she has a theory I want to share. She thinks that because Maggie was so sick it was affecting Lacey???? This sort of makes sense to me. She said cats can tell if there is something wrong with another cat and react to it. Maybe Lacey was in her way feeling Maggies pain? I don't know for sure, I certainly wish animals could talk human. Just thought it was an interesting theory.

The Last Week

2006-09-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

This is the last week I will be living in my apartment. There are still a lot of things up in the air. Right now it isn't sure if I will have anyway to connect to the internet or even have a phone where I am moving. Hopefully those are things that I can get in time. In the meantime I may have to use the computers at the library. That won't be so bad.

I am packing and very surprised at some of the things I have collected over the years here. (I have lived here about 10 years.) Slowly but surely I am sorting out what to keep and what to toss. Sort of like reviewing ones life in a way. Somethings I look at and wonder who was that person that belonged to??? In some ways I don't recognize myself so much anymore.

I am comforted that I do have Lacey with me. We have each other.

Getting Down to IT

2006-09-21T14:00:00.000-04:00

I get to start moving some of my stuff tomorrow! That will help out a lot. It is so hard to work and try to get stuff together to move. The past 2 days I worked 15 hour days.... and almost all of that time was on my feet.....ouch!!! I could hardly make my body move when I finally home. WWWWHHHHHIIIIIIINNNNNEEEE..... I only work one job tonight and I have the day off both jobs tomorrow! Hopefully I can get a lot done tomorrow.

Lacey's personality has changed so dramatically. She is getting to be very affectionate though she is not too happy with being picked up. She would much rather get cuddled on the floor. I have to call the vet in a little bit to see how much to board her overnite. I can't risk her getting lost or upset during the move. As it is she is wondering what the hell I am up to boxing things and tossing stuff out. I'd feel a lot safer with her boarded when the big move takes place. ..she likes to hide in boxes and all that. Afterall, the threat of losing both her and Maggie, and having had to have Maggie put to sleep, I am feeling very overprotective of her.

I GET TO KEEP LACEY!!!!!

2006-09-19T22:47:00.000-04:00

Found out tonight that I will be able to take Lacey with me!!!!!! I am sooooooo very happy!!!! The lady I will be sharing the house with says she doesn't have a problem .... as long as Lacey leaves her food alone! Not a problem...unless it is a can of tuna or a chicken breast Lacey has little interest in people food. She even turns her nose up at the tuna and the chicken sometimes. Just a fussy little eater!

Started at the grocery chain today. I am in the coffee kiosk. I use to work a coffee bar so it is pretty easy for me. They seem to like me quite a bit. Though my boss at the restaraunt is warning me against them.....he thinks they are taking advantage of me because they are scheduling me to work a lot of hours. He gets that way though. It almost seems like jealousy sometimes. Bosses are weird!?!?!

Need to get my packing finished real soon. I may have to board Lacey for a few days during the move. She won't like it but she keeps trying to 'help' me. I don't want her to get lost in the shuffle and all. I feel so much better now!!!!!

Trying to be patient......urrrrgghhhh

2006-09-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

The lady I will be sharing a house with was suppose to give me a call but hasn't so far. That means Lacey's fate is still undecided. I wish there was a way to contact her but .... I do know where she works but that seems invasive to call there.

I am hoping to be able to move some of my things next week. There is a problem with that though. Seems someone complained to the city inspector that the Nesting Place was moving women into a condemned building. That is a crock! The building needs repairs and cleaning but is solid. Unfortunately the city inspector is pissed and could hold things up. Hopefully that will be solved soon. I really want a roof over my head.

Lacey actually begged for cuddling this morning! So unlike what she used to be like lately! She has the softest fur. Lacey was a very sick cat when I got her. She was about 9 months old and only weighed 3lbs. She was so starved that her bones were starting to break through her skin. The vet really wasn't sure she would survive...but she did. She always wanted to be in the room where I was but really not too crazy about being touched though. Maybe the loss of Maggie and old age are changing her????

I am suppose to work today. Don't know yet when I go in though. Owner is suppose to calll me...probally forgot to though. I had a great customer Thursday night! Ok, maybe this isn't all that PC but you know how some people just let their gaylight shine??? Well this guy was a regular lighthouse! We got along so great!!! We arranged to meet again just so we could trash talk some more.....oh can't wait!

Counting my blessings

2006-09-14T02:46:00.000-04:00

1. Got the job at the grocery chain!!!! Just don't know when I start or where and what hours I'll be working......yeeeeehaaaaa!!!!!

2. I may not have to have Lacey put to sleep. Trying very hard not to get too excited until I know for sure. I am sad about Maggie but her medical problems were getting worse, not better. I would have prefered she live a longer life but she would never have handled the move. I am finding that Lacey is a lot more friendly and responsive since Maggie is no longer with us. I did spend most of my time with Maggie, caring for her. Lacey seems to be flourishing with the extra attention now....I didn't realize how much my attention to Maggie's needs was affecting Lacey.

3. The house I'll be moving into is really huge and has lots of space for gardening. I get to decorate my own room the way I want. Started looking at paint samples already...leaning to a kind of light sage green color. Maybe accented with blues and lavenders???? The lady I will be sharing with is into mowing and the heavy kind of stuff....which I am not, so maybe we will be a good meld??? I have decided to bring all my canning equipment with me.....and my birdhouses, and oh well.....almost everything!!!!

4. Tips were much better than usual tonight. I ran my behind off but at least it was worth it!

Maybe a miracle????

2006-09-13T11:55:00.000-04:00

I put down the money for the Nesting Place that I am moving into later this month. The house is in solid but in need of love condition. Mostly it needs cleaning, painting, and a few not so bad repairs. My room is going to be quite large! I will get to garden in the back! In fact there is a fenced in veggie garden area all ready. It does need some serious care though....but that is the fun part.

I have some hope that I am trying to not get too excited about. As there will only be 2 of us living at this place (at least for a while) the director decided that if the other person I will be sharing with agrees ....I CAN KEEP LACEY!!!!!! I will find out tomorrow. I am so seriously excited!!!! I am really hoping she agrees to it.

Perspective

2006-09-12T13:07:00.000-04:00

Ok, this helped me. Leave it to Monty Python.....got it from someone after a discussion on perspective.

http://dingo.care-mail.com/cards/flash/5409/galaxy.swf

heeehhhhh

2006-09-11T00:59:00.000-04:00

Been sick for two days. I don't know if I have a virus or I am just way too stressed out. I am very scared and upset right now. I didn't go into work yesterday and I am hoping I still have a job.

Spoke to a lady I worked with about a year ago. She is in similar circumstances. I told her about the Nesting Place but I don't know if she will consider it. I think she lives with her son now. She was upset because she couldn't afford groceries or to pay bills. I really feel for her. We were both expecting to be called back to this one place through the temp agency. We had been told we would be but..... then the company we would have been placed with started laying off their own employees....so that was that.

I keep thinking once the move is over...things will be better for me. Maybe I won't be so stressed all the time.

Day Off!!!!

2006-09-08T22:51:00.000-04:00

I had today off. It went ok. I had an interview this morning and I was told they would call me by Wednesday to let me know. It went pretty good, I quess. They are just doing the background check thing and trying to figure out if my schedule will fit in with them. So just wait and see.

That new girl at the diner that caused me grief....well, I haven't worked with her since that night but it seems she's managed to get on the bad side of everyone else she has waitressed with since. I got to hand it to her.....ain't easy to piss of that many people in such a short amount of time. Part of me is sort of feeling bad for her....that is as long as I don't have to deal with her again!

Couldn't put Lacey to sleep today. Just couldn't do it. I have to do it next Friday though. I can't put it off forever. She is still a little spirited thing. I hate to do this.

Interview!?!?!?

2006-09-07T13:06:00.000-04:00

What do you know... that woman at the grocery chain came through! I had my doubts as she is a mucha talker. I got called for an interview though! I go in tomorrow morning for one! Cross my fingers and toes...and all that!

Last night at the diner wasn't so good. There is a new girl and she is going to be trouble. The boss is enamored with her though. Thank goodness I won't be working with her very often if at all. She is less than honest. She managed to get me yelled at by the boss by telling the boss a lie already! Only 2 hours into the shift! I told the boss the truth but, well we'll see. I've decided to leave her to the other waitresses as she will be working with them mostly. They are nice women but I wouldn't try crossing any of them. Might be interesting to see how she deals with them.

Lacey actually was affectionate last night! Can she have noticed finally that Maggie is gone and is starting to get lonely? They really didn't play together very often and seemed to have staked out their own territories. I have decided to delay putting her to sleep for another week. That may be a mistake but I just can't bring myself to do it right now.

Where to go????

2006-09-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

Well, the trip to meet and look at the new place didn't go so well. Wires got crossed and I showed up earlier than I was suppose to. The cab driver refused to leave me there to wait for someone too. Don't read too much into that. He was just being a bit too overprotective. The house is in a rural area but still close to the bus line. It has been abandoned for sometime I am told. Good bones though. Quite large. Needs a lot of love and care. Couldn't see inside though. I was told it is structurally sound and that the plumbing and wiring are all be checked and redone if needed. Also, the landlord is letting us redecorate it ourselves.

The lady who runs the Nesting Place is giving up the frat house. Costs too much to upkeep. The ladies can't even change the lightbulbs there by themselves. They have to call for a serviceperson to to it!!!! Weird. So she has contracted for two other houses. Both are on the bus lines and both are on the northside, I believe. Next week she is going to take me to see both and then I can choose between them. Right now I am leaning towards the one I saw this morning. Very close to the diner I am working at and checking out the yard I thought I saw plenty of room for a garden. I wonder if I can talk her into letting me put in a garden???? She did mention that yard work wasn't her thing....maybe it can be mine???? ohhhh ...please...please....please!!!!!!!

Hmmm....New Location????

2006-09-05T13:33:00.000-04:00

Spoke to the lady at the Nesting Place this morning. She wants me to look at the new house they are opening up on my side of town. She thinks the location may be better for me! I go to see it tomorrow.

She says it is in rough shape right now. Needs painting and carpeting...all that kind of stuff. Still I would get to stay in my neighborhood and it is located in a rural setting. Both big pluses for me! So I am really eager to see it.

I am planning on having Lacey put to sleep this Saturday or the next. The home I thought I found her fell through. In a way I am glad that it was realized that it wouldn't work out before she was rehomed. I kind of feel quilty that I don't have the connection with her that I had with Maggie. Lacey is still kind of feral in her heart though. Lacey always held a look of contempt for how Maggie would snuggle with me.

2 Days Off

2006-09-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

I had two days off in a row! I thought of all the things I should be doing but wound up sleeping instead. Didn't realize how tired I was I quess.

Tried to spend some time with Lacey. She doesn't really care about that though. Her personality is totally different than Maggies was. Lacey isn't a cuddler at all. In fact she prefers to remain just out of reach. She was a rescued feral and she never really warmed up to humans all that much. I think she just tolerates us. She hasn't seemed to miss Maggie either. That surprised me. Maggie was always licking Lacey's head and ears. I know Maggie would have missed Lacey, but Maggie was extremely affectionate and sensitive. Such different personalities!

I think I will feel a whole lot better once I am moved into the Nesting Place and things are more settled. Right now everything seems so .... oh I don't know.... unsettled????

Moving On....

2006-09-02T09:34:00.000-04:00

Quit at the market yesterday morning. One of the managers asked if there was anyway I would change my mind....not really. We talked over my reasons for leaving and I think he understood. I have cashiered at a lot of places and have never been short, well except for a time when a check jumped behind the drawer and got caught...but that got straightened out. I was just afraid that with this new store manager riding me and trying to find something wrong that I was bound to make a mistake. That and it really bothers me that he though I was rude to customers. If I had said something rude I really wish he had said something at the time so I would know what it was. Of course, he reported one of the other cashiers as rude because she said "Can I see your ID?" instead of "May I see your ID?"..... kind of pushing it there.

I hear from one of the cashiers at the major grocery chains on the next block that their getting a lot of the customers that used to shop at the market I just quit. Seems the customers are not happy with the changes either. Well, I quess we'll see what happens there in the long run. At least I am not part of the drama anymore.

The cashier at the major grocery chain is doing what she can to try to get me in there. I have my doubts but she says that it is union and I could get medical benefits. I could use the medical benefits.... don't have any right now. So we will see. In the meantime the diner is working me a lot more hours and the tips have been very good.

Decisiions, Decisions....

2006-09-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

I have decided to quit at the market. I was going to try hanging in there ... at least to the end of the month ... then at least to the end of this week.... and then the new store manager riled me yet again yesterday.... now think I'll just quit today. Need to get in touch with my manager there first though. I worked both jobs yesterday and wound up sick last night. I've worked them both before and was ok but I think the stress level at the market is tiring me out too much. Besides, my loyalty is all at the diner now.

The good things that happened to me yesterday were:

1. Found a $20 bill on the sidewalk!
2. I lost my purse but it was found safe and sound by some nice ladies who had seen me sitting where it was found...but couldn't catch me in time. BIG WHEWWWWW.....
3. Had really nice customers both at the market and the diner!!!!

Gonna be ok....I think...

2006-08-29T23:13:00.000-04:00

Not so worried about the grocery job anymore. Well, disapointed....but not in a panic. It's sad when someplace goes from a great place to work to a nightmare. Can't control that though. I told the manager of the diner about what was going on and he says he will give me more hours. So that is a good thing. I am going to try sticking it out at the grocery at least until the end of the week. I don't want to make my manager look bad there but the store manager is just a creep and I am way to thin skinned right now to deal with it.

I have been on the verge of tears or crying alot lately. Can't seem to control it too well. Miss my baby, Maggie, so much. I still can't touch her toys or put away her food dish. I know I have to go on and all that. Still, I am mourning.

Seriously MIxed Up Weird Day

2006-08-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

The drama at the grocery continues. Now my manager wants to quit because of the new store manager. Quess he has been bugging her all day. I didn't work there today but went in because she sounded so upset on the phone today. You know just to check on her and give her a little hug. She is really sad about how every thing is going down. I really feel bad for her. She is interested in maybe taking Lacey to live with her mother though. She thinks Lacey might get along really good with her. I'm kind of hoping that would work out.

One of the ladies from the Nesting Place talked to me on the phone this morning and I let her in on what was going on at the grocery. She was really nice and even came into the diner this evening. She doesn't think I need the grieve from the grocery. She's got that right.

This was something really nice that happened to me today! One of the ladies at the diner I work at gave me a new pair of shoes!!! Some of the other waitresses were really concerned that the shoes I've been wearing weren't 'waitress friendly'. As in really cute but not good for standing in for 10 hours. So, she claims that she had these in her closet and that they never fit her. (This after the manager's wife kept bugging me about what size shoe I wear. Then going on about how small my feet are.) Anyhow it was really one of the sweetest things someone has done for me in a while. I am insisting on giving her something for them but she won't take much.

Oh, got told that another grocery is hiring in the neighborhood. So I am off to apply there. I know someone who works there so maybe I can use that as some kind of leverage.

There have been a lot of caring comments from people who have learned about my decision to have my kitty girls put to sleep. I really appreciate all the care and concern. I can't express how much it helps to know there are still some good and caring people. Thank you all so very much. If I could I would give you all a big hug!

Oh Just Great

2006-08-28T12:19:00.000-04:00

Did I mention I was cashiering at a local market? Well, I may not be much longer. The management is changing. In the past 2 weeks over 4 of the managers have quit. Mostly due to redirection and oh I am not too sure what all. Just a lot of bad feelings going around. We have a new manager now and he is a terror. A sneaky terror. As in he hangs out behind things and spys on us and then goes to our immediate manager and complains about us.

My manager called me this morning. Seems 1st thing this morning he goes to her and says "We have to talk." Then goes on this speel about how bad I was as a cashier...ok, not just me but the other girl I was cashiering with last night. Apparently he felt we were rude to customers??? He never said anything about it to us last night. So what he is referring to I have no idea. Now they are talking about moving me to stocking groceries. My manager is against that and wants to keep me. She is upset about the whole thing and doesn't believe any of his complaints.

Anyway, the place is changing alot and not for the best in my opinion. It is a neighborhood grocery not a giant chain. We spend a lot of time talking with the customers and joking with them. I think he wants to make it more 'professional'. He has a low opinion of townies. He voiced that last night. So I am really confused how and why he came to this grocery.

I am trying not to stress over it too much. To tell the truth I was hoping to find another job than this. I still have my waitress job and maybe they will give me more hours to help out for awhile. I will have to check that out. Grrrr...just when I was starting to feel a little bit more secure....darn....

Crying Jag

2006-08-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

Been on a two day crying jag. Had to stop to go to work today though. Maybe that was a good thing. I miss Maggie more than I can describe. Sleeping is nearly impossible without her next to me.

Lacey is being spoiled rotten. If I don't find a home for her in the next two weeks I will have to put her down too. That is going to be really rough.

Maggie

2006-08-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

Maggie

My beloved friend Maggie was put to sleep this morning at 9:45. She was purring and peaceful till the end, held in my arms at first with her paws wrapped around my neck. Then she layed on a mat and had her belly rubbed as she continued to slip away. Although I will miss her so much I feel that I have been so very honored to have had the time we spent together.

Big Smile and Big Dimples

2006-08-24T02:16:00.000-04:00

Got a surprise visit from the newest girl at the grocery store! She came into the diner I work at just to say hello!!! How sweet...quite a surprise!!!!!!

She's a lovely girl, with a big smile and great dimples. She is only just 17 and what a great person. She likes me she says because I am so funny....heheheheh. Anyway we are hoping to work together again soon.

Saw the greek guy again tonight too. He was obviously hungry...all he could talk about was food. Still it was great to see him.

Trying hard to focus on the good things. There are still some good things. Nice people are good things.

Their Baaaaccckkkkk

2006-08-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Well, the town is being invaded by the students. Happens every year. The time every townie looks at with mixed emotions. On one hand the income gets much better for a lot of us, on the other hand some students are...well...RUDE. There's always this adjustment period when the students come back. Eventually they learn that being rude to townies gets them nowhere and settle down. The freshman learn that partying everynight puts them on propation so they quiet down. In the meantime.....errrr yeah.....

Trying to Adjust

2006-08-21T11:23:00.000-04:00

Starting to make new friends. Still pissed off at those who use to say they were but...anyway. It feels good to have some people to laugh with. Takes my mind off problems. One is this young greek who is 25 years younger than me. He keeps telling me I am not old...hah! Oh yes I am. Still he is charming and funny.

Friday I have Maggie put to sleep. I am trying to prepare myself. The grocery store gave me Friday and Saturday off...just because. I expect I will take it very hard when it happens. Lacey I am still hoping to find a home for. Though if it doesn't happen in the next 2 weeks she will have to be put to sleep too.

Scolded

2006-08-14T23:06:00.000-04:00

Well I got reamed a new one by someone today. I was calling around to find out the cost of putting my cats down. Several places told me that they would not euthanize (sp?) any animal that might possibly find another home. These cats I was told should be sent to the Humane Society.

Quote: "Are you saying that you would rather murder your cats than give them a chance to find another home?"

Ok, another case of not knowing all the facts. I have called the Humane Society. They are not a 'no kill' sanctuary. Nor will they attempt to home all cats that come to them. In fact I was told that Maggie they would not try to home at all and that it was extremely doubtful that they would try with Lacey, given her age and timid nature. Seems they prefer outgoing cats???

Ok, maybe I am wrong but I don't want my girls afraid or to suffer. If they are not going to be rehomed then I would rather be there with them when they are put to sleep. I don't want them among strangers in strange surroundings. I want to be there to stroke them and tell them that I love them but even the best I could do just wasn't good enough.

Needed Someone

2006-08-13T09:02:00.000-04:00

I made the mistake of trying to call a couple of my 'friends' the other day. No response and I am starting to get really upset with them. It is not like I have borrowed any money from them. I have this thing about doing things by myself. I would accept help for my kitty girls if I had to but the rest is up to me. At least that is the way I see it. I just really wanted someone to talk to.

It is hard not to be angry. Angry at the job that decided that I no longer fit their 'image'. Angry at the people that promised to always to be there. Angry at the people who wouldn't think of hiring someone my age. Just angry.

The ladies at the Nesting Place have told me that what I have gone through with jobs, job hunting and with friends is all very normal. Maybe I will feel a lot better when I am there and have others around me who understand?

Another Not So Good Day

2006-08-12T07:45:00.000-04:00

I was throwing up yesterday. Couldn't go into work. I am hoping that it doesn't cause me to lose that job. Worried about that now too. They were nice on the phone about it though.

Today I begin throwing things out that I can't take with me. That is going to be kind of rough. Couldn't sell any of it either. I made a list of what I want to keep but I don't think I can keep all of that list. Not much room where I am going to. Just a room.

I am trying to think that in ways this is a good thing. Starting over fresh and all that.

Not a Good Day

2006-08-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

Didn't have a good day today. Mostly I just felt like crying. I've been hoping for some kind of miracle. That I would win the lotto or something. Hasn't happened and I am beginning to accept that it just isn't going to happen.

Hanging in there but sad just the same.

Damn But You Won't Believe This

2006-08-09T14:05:00.000-04:00

Just got back from another processing interview for the Nesting Place. I am stunned. Seems that my responsibility (we all have to take on chores when we move in) will be to supervise the kitchen. At least that is the plan as of now. HEEEEE....vegan in the kitchen!!!!!!

OK, now I know that all of them are omnis that I have met so far. There are rumors of a vegetarian lurking around there somewhere. Still I think I can sneak a couple of vegan meals in there now and then. I was really worried about what I would be eating too. I am actually getting excited about this part!

Now if I could just find a good home for Lacey. That is haunting me.

Struggling

2006-08-08T12:02:00.000-04:00

I am having one of those days struggling with my emotions. I go from being incredibly angry to just melting in tears. So far I haven't been able to find a home for Lacey. I love her so much that it is incredible to me that someone else wouldn't find her adorable and want her.

Someone asked me if I couldn't find a friend to take her in. That's a problem as my friends seem to have disapeared lately. It is common I am told. The ladies at the Nesting Place said that "Everyone sees themselves in you and it scares them." Well, the smart ass in me just goes "Well, their definately off my Christmas card list".

I quess I can understand why they are afraid. I never thought this would happen to me. I have supported myself since I was 16. I have never been without a job that enabled me to take care of myself. Although the jobs I have now are pretty low on the ladder compared to what I use to do it took me nearly 1 1/2 years to get them. It is that hard to find a job. To tell the truth I am enjoying waitressing....go figure. Just wish it paid more. I keep getting told that I need to be patient. "Wait till school starts. Then you will get more hours. Then we will be busier." Well maybe, it is a college town.

Maybe I Should Explain More

2006-08-07T23:00:00.000-04:00

I got some comments privately that made me believe I confused some people. I have found 2 jobs but they are very part time and don't pay much at all. The temp agency I was working for hasn't had much to offer either. The best they have done for me in the past several months was 2 days work a month. Can't support myself on that. With the cost of living in Ann Arbor and the lack of low cost housing .... well I am just lucky that there is a place like the Nesting Place to go to. Otherwise, I would be trying to live out of my car.

I am annoyed that my age is such an issue when job hunting. It seems when a woman reaches a certain age the world expects her to just disapear. I quess that is why we are called 'Shadow Women'. That is the term that was taught me at the Nesting Place. A lot of people don't realize that they are homeless....they clean themselves up in public washrooms and spend their days reading at libraries or wandering around the mall. Most have no idea how to deal with social services and keep their distress very quiet.

I never liked the feeling of being invisible....hear me!!!

Life Doesn't Always Go As Planned

2006-08-06T23:22:00.000-04:00

Well sometimes life just throws one hell of a curve. That is what is happening to me now. I lost my job and at 54 I find that the workforce wants nothing to do with me. So I am forced to give up my apartment. The worst of it is giving up my kitty girls.

Maggie has bladder problems and is on a special diet. She is very emotional and attached to me. I believe it is best to put her to sleep rather than put her through the stress of rehoming. Lacey I am hoping to rehome as she is very clean and quiet. She would be an excellent indoor cat for someone who doesn't want to fuss that much over a cat. She is very timid but sweet and would warm up to someone in time.

As for me, I will be moving to someplace called the Nesting Place. It is a sort of dorm for women with financial problems. I think I will be ok. Right now I am feeling a bit like a failure in life. At least at the Nesting Place I have met other women like me. Those who have worked all their lifes but somehow it all goes bad. Maybe I should just think of it as a new beginning????

Addicted to Oil Part 5 of 5

2006-07-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

Addicted to Oil Part 4 of 5

2006-07-04T03:25:00.000-04:00

Addicted to Oil Part 3 of 5

2006-07-03T00:13:00.000-04:00

Addicted to Oil Part 2 of 5

2006-07-02T06:08:00.000-04:00

Addicted to Oil Part 1 of 5

2006-07-01T23:33:00.000-04:00

The United States Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case about global warming climate change.

2006-06-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

Global Warming goes from opinion to fact

"The Bush Administration could face a legal challenge over its regulation of carbon dioxide emissions as the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by Friends of the Earth US, numerous state and city authorities and NGOs."

...

"If the court rules against the EPA, the legal status of carbon dioxide in the US would be clarified as climate changing – a position continually denied by the Bush Administration."

Yahoo!!!!! This is going to be interesting!

“notice of intent to sue” the federal government.

2006-06-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

County Joins Lawsuit to
Protect Sage-Grouse

"The San Miguel County Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to join a formal “notice of intent to sue” the federal government.

The county’s action is in response to the decision two months ago by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to eliminate protections for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse and remove it from consideration under the Endangered Species Act. The Gunnison Sage-Grouse was recognized as a new species in 2000."

...

"After the bird’s delisting, San Miguel County Commissioner Art Goodtimes explained, he felt it was time for action.

“The Fish and Wildlife folks did [the Bush] administration’s political bidding, while ignoring the science,” he said. “For me, that was the last straw.”

“The government’s own scientists were suppressed in this matter by political appointees with the Department of Interior,” concurred Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility in a press release. “These political appointees ignored the government’s own scientific findings,” he said.

“We prefer that these issues be resolved cooperatively, but when the federal government so egregiously breaks the law, local government and community groups have no choice but to go to court,” said Jacob Smith, executive director of the Center for Native Ecosystems."

Personally I hope that this gets a lot more press.

Scientists OK Gore's movie for accuracy

2006-06-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

Scientists OK Gore's movie for accuracy

"WASHINGTON - The nation's top climate scientists are giving "An Inconvenient Truth," Al Gore's documentary on global warming, five stars for accuracy.

The former vice president's movie — replete with the prospect of a flooded New York City, an inundated Florida, more and nastier hurricanes, worsening droughts, retreating glaciers and disappearing ice sheets — mostly got the science right, said all 19 climate scientists who had seen the movie or read the book and answered questions from The Associated Press."

"While more than 1 million people have seen the movie since it opened in May, that does not include Washington's top science decision makers. President Bush said he won't see it. The heads of the Environmental Protection Agency and NASA haven't seen it, and the president's science adviser said the movie is on his to-see list.""

Discovery Channel's "Addicted To Oil: Thomas L. Friedman Reporting"

2006-06-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

I look forward to watching this tonight at 10pm on the Discovery Channel. I'm hoping it is going to be a good a report as it looks to be.

Best Post I've Seen in a While

2006-06-23T23:18:00.000-04:00

The following post was on Vegan Forum and I fell in love with it. It was made by Roxy in response to people questioning a vegan diet. Roxy is extremely clever and I really hope she doesn't mind my posting it.

To be sung to the tune of Monty Python's "I'm A LumberJack"

I'm a veeegan and I'm okay
I sleep all night and I work all day
I chop my fruit and eat my lunch
And go to the lavatryyyy
On Wednesdays I go shopping
and make vegan scones for tea!

I eat my nuts and skip and jump
I'm so full of protein
I'm fit and cute
And I don't hang round in bars

I eat brocleeee and wear high heels
Suspenders and a bra
I'm so glad I'm vegaaaaan
It make sme really SMAAAAAART!!

Vegan Food Pyramid

2006-06-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

The Organic Food Corner has all kinds of great stuff to check out! I posted the Vegan Food Pyramid above but you may want to go to their site and get a bigger one to print out.

Animals Matter to Me Petition

2006-06-18T20:42:00.000-04:00

"Help us achieve global recognition that animals matter, that they can feel pain and can suffer and that we have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world. We seek 10 million signatures to let the governments of the world know we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations." Animals Matter to Me

If you've ever loved an animal you know just how much they give us in return. The above site is collecting on-line signatures to create a 'global voice' for the protection of animals.

Been a while since I posted something about being vegan

2006-06-14T06:40:00.000-04:00

House rejects Net neutrality rules

2006-06-10T14:48:00.000-04:00

"The U.S. House of Representatives definitively rejected the concept of Net neutrality on Thursday, dealing a bitter blow to Internet companies like Amazon.com, eBay and Google that had engaged in a last-minute lobbying campaign to support it.

By a 269-152 vote that fell largely along party lines, the House Republican leadership mustered enough votes to reject a Democrat-backed amendment that would have enshrined stiff Net neutrality regulations into federal law and prevented broadband providers from treating some Internet sites differently from others."
ZD Net

The link above also contains pdfs of the amendment as well as the COPE act.

Great Gift for Animal Lovers

2006-06-07T01:48:00.000-04:00

Defenders of Wildlife Organization has a great idea for gift giving! You can adopt a wolf, polar bear, cottontale, dolphi, whale, etc. and fund the efforts to protect wildlife at the same time. The adoption comes with a certificate of adoption and a small stuff animal representing the animal adopted.

Internet Neutrality Regulations Approved

2006-05-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would establish federal Internet neutrality regulations.
"By a vote of 20-13, the US House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would establish federal Internet neutrality regulations."

Love and Peace

2006-05-27T21:21:00.000-04:00

Opening night for "An Inconvenient Truth"

2006-05-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

May 24th is here! The opening night of an Inconvenient Truth is here!

House of Representatives passed six out of six pro-environment votes!

2006-05-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

Good news from Save Our Environment Organization today!

The House voted in favor of:

Two amendments to preserve the 25-year-old moratorium on new offshore drilling.
Requiring the EPA to better protect wetlands and other waters.
Preventing the EPA from moving forward with plans to weaken the public's right to know about toxic chemicals.
Eliminating subsidies for logging roads in Alaska's Tongass National Forest.
Prohibiting the Department of the Interior from awarding new leases to oil companies that are drilling off our coasts without paying royalties.

I Luv, Luv, Luv, Luv Ya!!!!!

2006-05-20T11:21:00.000-04:00

Every time I watch this video I crack up! Hope you like it too!

Global Warming Battles

2006-05-19T14:20:00.000-04:00

"A group of pension funds and institutional investors on Thursday accused Exxon Mobil Corp. of failing to act on global warming concerns and demanded a meeting with the company's board over the issue."
US states, investors attack Exxon on global warming

"Today, the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) will unveil two 60-second TV ads focusing on what it calls “global warming alarmism and the call by some environmental groups and politicians to reduce fossil fuel and carbon dioxide emissions.” The ad, which will be aired in more than a dozen cities across the country, is being released just a week before the May 24th opening (in LA and NYC) of Al Gore’s new movie on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth."
Big Oil Launches Attack On Al Gore

Is this a good time to point out that CEI is funded by the American Petroleum Institute? Wonder why they would fund a study to back their interests? Surely they only want whats best for us...right???

Al Gore on SNL and Me Thinks It's About to Hit the Fan Time

2006-05-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know that Al Gore is not everyone's favorite. I mean darn..he's a politician...and we all know what they are like...right? Still sometimes I can't help but wonder what would be different if he won... err... ahhh... ummmm... well, you know. Then Al Gore was on Saturday Night Live and all my questions were answered!
If you go to the Saturday Night Live site and click on VIDEO you can watch their "Parallel Universe". The video is on YouTube.com also but it probally will get removed due to copyright laws and such.

Guess who is already putting out doubt about "An Inconvenient Truth"? Yep, it's starting and the movie isn't even in the theaters yet. Well, knew it was going to happen. Put on your highwaiders kids!

"The movie is constructed more as a study of Gore`s barnstorming tours aimed at rousing public awareness of global warming, an exercise of preaching to the environmentalist choir about a seemingly inevitable fate.

But the Washington lobbying machine isn`t taking this cinematic exercise lying down. News releases from various think tanks have begun flying around that pan the movie not so much for its cinematic merits, but rather for giving credibility to global warming."
Analysis: Gore churns up warming debate

Recent News About Global Warming and Some Links

2006-05-16T07:38:00.000-04:00

"A report to be released Monday by Christian Aid said 162 million people in sub-Saharan Africa alone could die of disease directly attributable to global warming by the end of the century."
Global Warming Threatens Millions

"Progress toward global sustainable development pales in comparison to “a sobering picture” of the world’s environment, said Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the international body."
Commit to sustainable development, fight global warming, Vatican tells U.N.

"Global warming has had a more devastating effect on some of the world's finest coral reefs than previously assumed, according to the first report to show the overall impact of the rise of sea temperatures. It has also wiped out some fish species."
Global warming 'is killing the coral seas'

Links to a few Global Warming and Enviromental Sites
Stop Global Warming Organization
Envirolink Organization
Global Warming: Early Warning Signs
Fight Global Warming

Of course there are a lot more. I only listed a few things today. I will list more at a later time. After all you can't read them all right now anyway, right?

Something for the Fun of It

2006-05-15T15:11:00.000-04:00

Been debating a lot with know-it-alls and such. Not that bad really. I mean I've been arguing with Republicans for 40 or so years now. Just frustrating. All those silly little tricks to get away from really discussing something, ya know.

Ok, so taking a break. I found this video and it was not just funny to me but I really marveled at how clever animals can be!

Internet is Being Threatened!!!!

2006-05-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

"Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet's First Amendment -- a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most. If the public doesn't speak up now, our elected officials will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign."
Save the Internet.com

What the loss of Internet Neutrality means is explained in the video below. To find out more and if your representative has cast a vote go to Save the Internet.com

Alliance for Climate Protection.

2006-05-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

According to ABC News, Al Gore is creating an "Alliance for Climate Protection". You can read about it from this link:
ABC News Link

Don't forget May 24th is coming up! The opening night of an Inconvenient Truth is coming!

GM SUV 'Comercials'

2006-05-10T08:58:00.000-04:00

On the site advertising the Chevy Tahoe was a link that one could go and create their own commercials. It's gone now or at least I can't find the link anyway. However, while the link was there several 'commercials' created by activists were created. If you go to YouTube.com there are several posted for viewing besides the montage below.

Hmmmmm, environmentalists are a creative bunch!!!!!

Robert F Kennedy Jr. interviews an Oil Lobbyist (Spoof???)

2006-05-08T10:51:00.000-04:00

Take Action to Stop Exxon and Help Save the Polar Bears

2006-05-06T10:15:00.000-04:00

Care2 Animal Welfare Alert!!!

On Monday, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) released their 2006 Red List of Threatened Species, and for the first time, polar bears made the list. And according to a study published just last month, global warming could push polar bears to extinction in just 25 years.

According to the IUCN, "Polar bears are set to become one of the most notable casualties of global warming."

This bad news for bears comes just days after ExxonMobil, the world's largest oil company, announced first quarter profits of $8.4 billion. Take action today!

It's a stark contrast - ExxonMobil, swimming in cash, is the only major oil company still pushing to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important onshore denning habitats for America's remaining polar bears. At the same time, polar bears are literally drowning due to melting sea ice.

We can help polar bears, no matter where we live - by changing our activities that contribute to global warming and urging corporations to do the same. And one of the best ways to start is by letting ExxonMobil know that we won't buy their gasoline unless and until they stop trying to drill in the Arctic Refuge and start making a real investment in cleaner energy sources.

Take action: tell ExxonMobil's CEO to stop pushing for oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge; to withdraw its support of the pro-drilling Arctic Power lobbying group; and to start investing in renewable energy for the future. Let ExxonMobil know that until they mend their anti-wildlife ways, you will be boycotting their gasoline!

Sign the petition: http://go.care2.com/e/kKK/KR/Q75q

Another site of interest:

http://www.exxposeexxon.org/

A Message From Mother Earth

2006-05-05T18:57:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling a little down lately and was happy to find the video "A Message From Mother Earth". Happy in spite of the fact it made me cry a bit. I have been trying to raise awareness and am running into a lot of apathy. A lot of people who don't think they can do anything. That they can't change the world. I'm an old woman now and no one really believes that I know that much. Oh they do tolerate and humor me...but I don't think they really listen. Still it is my old age that makes me believe that the world can change. Although I also believe it probally requires some effort.

Global Warming "It's the Real Thing"

2006-05-04T21:51:00.000-04:00

Global Warming Endangers Species and Stop Global Warming Organization's Virtual March

2006-05-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

A couple of real quick links:

Artic Mission to Spotlight Polar Bears

Polar bears, hippos added to 'Red List'

Photo's of Global Warming

Stop Global Warming Organization's virtual march

The Search for an Organic Vegan Wine

2006-05-03T08:23:00.000-04:00

Organic Vintners is a mail order company that has a remarkable selection of organic and vegan wines! I did a search on their site and was amazed at the selections available from all over the world. I'm not a daily wine drinker myself but special occasions do seem to call for a good bottle of wine and these folks seem to have done both the footwork and research for me...yeah!!!

In addition to vegan they also carry Biodynamic wines. I posted a quote from their site below showing definitions. The shipping is maybe a little high for some. $14.95 to most states...Alaska is around $25. Still for a good bottle of vegan champagne from France for a celebration or to have a vegan wine cellar could be worth the cost??? I suppose that's up to the individual. They even have a wine of the month club for true vegan wine lovers!

"Biodynamic & Vegan Wines

Biodynamic principles take the organic approach a step further by making sure that the growth of the grapes is in tune with the larger environment. Using homeopathic sprays, herbal preparations and lunar cycles, soil fertility is increased and vines are protected from pests and diseases.

Vegan wines. Winemakers, both organic and conventional, are not obliged to declare on the label when they use animal by-products as fining agents to clarify wine. These include egg white (to brighten red wines), casein (a milk protein to make wine taste softer), gelatin (removes bitterness) and isinglass (derived from fish). A vegan wine, on the other hand, uses no animal products whatsoever."

Just Because....

2006-04-29T10:26:00.000-04:00

Just because it is Saturday...
Just because I love cats....
Just because I love rockabilly...

Vegan's in the News

2006-04-28T11:54:00.000-04:00

Vegan diets more enviromentally friendly than meat based diets is an article by News-Medical Net. It goes into how the foods we eat can and do affect the ecology.

An Inconvenient Truth

2006-04-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

Paramount Pictures will be releasing the movie An Inconvenient Truth on May 24, 2006. Please see the attached link to a site that gives more information about the movie.

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

The preview is here.

Tofu in Vegan Oyster Sauce and Dirty Rice Done My Way

2006-04-25T18:21:00.000-04:00

This was an experiment that didn't quite work out. Either dish on it's own would have been good with something else but together...nah.

Dirty Rice Done My Way
is super simple and easy to make out of end of the week kitchen supplies. The Tofu in Vegan Oyster Sauce is beyond simple. Just saute cubes of chinese tofu until lightly browned then add a couple spoons of the oyster sauce and cover for a few minutes over low heat. I like to drizzle a little of the oyster sauce over the cubes when I serve it. Usually I serve the tofu with sauteed garlicy green beans or brocolli and plain rice. Next time that's what I'll do instead of the Dirty rice. Well ya live ya learn.

GRRRRRR It's Raining Again!!!!!

2006-04-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

Another day of rain! Enough already! I don't want to hear that April showers bring May flowers anymore. The weatherman promised sun tomorrow...and he better deliver.

Ecology and Recycling in Ann Arbor

2006-04-23T09:03:00.000-04:00

Probally should have put these in yesterday but...I am a perfect example of an imperfect person.

The Ecology Center has a great list of resources and events as well as way anyone can participate.

Some of my favorite places to go are Recycle Ann Arbor and The Scrap Box. I like to go there before I head out to buy any decorating or craft supplies. There is an amazing assortment of usable objects that need a new home. Also, the Scrap Box has parties for children that I have seen and the children have a blast!

Another place I enjoy walking around is Leslie Science Center. They have a lot of educational yet fun activities. They also have a Discovery Garden and hiking trails. Great place for children of all ages to hang out.

These aren't the only places of course but just some of my favorite ones!

Happy Earth Day!!!!!

2006-04-22T06:21:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to find a video or something to post Edgar Winter's "Save the Planet". I think it is on his White Trash album. Couldn't find it to post though. You don't hear it that often and it is really great.

I did find Joni Mitchell performing "Big Yellow Taxi" though! That is one of my favorites and for today it fits perfectly! Don't you think?????

Maggie Up Close

2006-04-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

Maggie Up Close

She was really upset with me for taking this picture. I woke her up to get it...oops! Still trying to get the hang of this digital camera and am being a bit annoying. She does have such pretty eyes though.

Lacey in the Window

2006-04-18T09:05:00.000-04:00

Took this picture of one of my kitty girls watching me when I was outdoors. She never seems to want to go outside but oh my is she curious about it!

Lacey in the Window

Happy Easter!!!!!

2006-04-16T03:20:00.000-04:00

Bagel Fragel Morning!!!

2006-04-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

Woke up early this morning and the first thing I could think of was fragels. Fragels are kind of a cross between a bagel and a donut. They are cinnamon raisen bagels that are fryed instead of baked and then rolled in lots of cinnamon sugar. Oh they are so good. Many a child has been bribed into good behaviour with them.

Above is a shot of Bagel Fragel where the fragels are made. I think you can still get them on the U of M campus too. They originally were made by Barry's Bagels and for a while at least they were being sold in Lansing also. Heard through the grapevine that the fragel is no longer available in Lansing though.

I tried to pose the fragels so they would look pretty. I love these things. Especially fresh and warm. They didn't last too long after this picture was taken. The scent of fresh fragels wakes up a household.

Vegan Easter Dinner???

2006-04-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Well, it is that time again! Time to march into the kitchen and astound everyone. Yeah, right. Normally I am a spur of the moment...what is in the cupboards...what is in season...kind of cook. Easter and other holidays I feel the need to dust off the cookbooks and search the web for the 'perfect' recipe for a perfect meal.

Tough choosing too! There are tons of vegan recipes on the web these days. Some are very easy, some require some skill, and others require a degree in chemistry. I lean towards the very easy myself. Oh, and please no ingredients that require my having to bribe custom officers. Those recipes that require more than 10 ingredients aren't happening either.

So this year it looks like I'm going with a few recipes from Bryanna Clark Grogan . What I really like about her recipes is that at first glance they look rather complicated but then she breaks it all down so they are very easy to make. She also gives suggestions for substitutes to use, if someone is allergic to say wheat or soy for example. I am being seduced by the idea of making a 'vegan ham' and that coconut cake just screams EASTER!!!

I don't know if you have tried it yet but Cherry's Parsley Soup has some great recipes too. I'm thinking of starting with the Parsnip Soup for Easter dinner. There's a great Lemon-Lime cake that sounds great too. Well, it is Easter so more than one dessert is allowed...right? Maybe I should make Cherry's Carrot Cake instead????? Aaaahhhh....decisions, decisions....

You know maybe the next time someone asks me what vegans eat I should just give them a list of web sites?

Ehhhh darn it!!!!

2006-04-12T03:14:00.000-04:00

Screwed up the taxes....darn I actually owe...sigh. Good news is it wasn't all that bad this year. Still...sigh....

On the other hand I learned a fact today that I never knew before. I was watching Alton Brown on the Food Network. I like to watch him even though he isn't vegan. A lot of great facts about food and stuff like that, and he is kind of funny. Anyway, did you know that lobsters are actually bugs? No, really, they are! More closely related to grasshoppers than cockroaches but bugs none the less. I can't believe people actually eat them. Bad enough they are living creatures but bugs????? Ewwwwww.....

Another think I learned today is that my kitty girl, Lacey, likes brocolli! Yep, turned my back for a minute and part of my dinner disapeared. Ok, maybe my mind slipped, I was thinking, but no Lacey had brocolli breath!

Finished My Taxes!!!!

2006-04-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

I have been putting off doing my taxes. Figured I would have to pay so why not just wait???? Hello!!!! I'm getting a refund!!!!! Ok, not much but at least I'm not paying this year!!!!!

Thinking of What I Should Be Doing

2006-04-09T17:31:00.000-04:00

I really should be doing something today. Besides taking naps and yawning in front of the TV.

There are tax forms waiting to be filled out. I probally should send another e-mail off to that theater in the UK. Cleaning the house is always a something to do also.

Instead I am munching on bagels that I've been smearing with Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and snuggling with my kitty girls. Ahhhh, well, it is Sunday...day of rest and all that.

Been dealing with a lot of ignorance lately.....

2006-04-08T19:02:00.000-04:00

Been dealing with a lot of ignorance lately...from a lot of different sources. Spent the night howling at the moon in frustration...at least felt that way. So tired of people spouting off but then not able to back up what they say.

Ahhhh, well a good vent and I better get back to it.

The UK cinema response to my 2nd e-mail

2006-04-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

I will try to respond to all your points.

The movie-going experience is about cinema. The economic reality of running a cinema includes snacks and screen advertising. Indeed without popcorn there would be no cinema.

Popcorn is not a particularly noisy snack. Crisps are. The UGC contracts for crisp sales is being phased out once it expires since crisps, although profitable, are not a quiet friendly movie snack and even worst because of their wrappers.

Butter flavoured popcorn makes up less that 10% of our sales. Most popcorn sales consist of sweet corn without butter. Butter (absorbed by the popcorn) , chocolate and soft drinks in a lidded paper cup are neither messy nor destructive products if cleaned daily. The natural acid in fruit IS lethal in a public and dark venue. Our juice containers are sold in sealed tiny straw boxes for this reason.

We are currently compiling a list of all our product content but our corn is popped with coconut oil and our butter flavouring contains no dairy products but may contain animal by-products. You need not put butter on your popcorn and most people in the UK don't.

Random checks are required by law in all public places. These have been escalated in many cinema locations as a result of cam cording. We reserve the right to search all bags and rucksacks and may deny admission to anyone who refuses. It during these searches that we have discovered many of the foods that cause us accidents and cleaning problems.

The policy on searches varies by site (100% checks in Stevenage) but are mostly random and without criteria or customer profile by design. Large bags will usually be checked and our staff will not touch personal items. Camcorders are banned from our screens and waiting until the crime occurs is no longer an option.

We do sell nachos (pre-packaged cheese in portion controlled containers) and in some cases other hot foods goods that can be consumed at cinemas with large bar facilities but not in the auditoria. These includes salads, baked potatoes and sandwiches.

Although we are constantly experimenting with food new options, the clean quiet film experience comes first and most customers still buy a popcorn and a soft drink regardless of the options available so that it what we offer at smaller venues.

I hope this answers your concerns. Our CEO is:

Steve Wiener
Cineworld Cinemas
Power Road Studios
Power Road
Chiswick, London
UK
W4 5PY

Sending another e-mail to that UK cinema...

2006-04-07T04:56:00.000-04:00

Mr. Alvarez, thank you for your prompt response to my e-mail. I must admit the attitude in your e-mail has left me a little bewildered. In your first paragraph you say you are only snack operators and in the next site Cineworld as being a film exhibitor as well as a food operation. At either rate you are business intent on making money and to do so you will need customers, preferably repeat customers. As either or both a food operation and/or film exhibitor you in fact act as a host to a group of people who are paying you for an what they are hoping to be an entertaining experience. Correct?

You state that carrots are noisy but I was of the opinion that popcorn as well as crisps are crunchy also. Your description of fruit as smelly, dangerous, attracting flies, destroying seat fabric, customer clothing and causing accidents makes it sound as if something like a fruit salad should be considered a weapon of mass destruction! You don’t think that buttery popcorn, soda and chocolates are equally messy and potential problems?

Please inform me of which of your food products are free of animal products. The chocolates contain milk, the popcorn may or may not use butter (dairy product) and other snacks gelatin (comes from an animal source). It would be interesting to find out if anything besides water was free of animal products.

I have never heard of random searches in a movie theater before! If you are so afraid of your customer you need to be in another business. Searching with cause by the police is one thing random searches by theater employees is another thing altogether. Just what are the criteria used by theater employees to decide which customer gets searched and which doesn’t? It very easily could be used as a means of harassment don’t you think? People carry an assortment of odd and sometimes potentially dangerous objects around that does not necessarily imply that they plan to use them. As for camcorders staff watching the audience during the movie should be able to deal with that when the person is leaving. In that way theater goers are not disturbed.

I find the list of foods not wanted in your auditoria odd as the most popular cinema here sells all those as well as stuffed baked potatoes, nachos and the like. In fact whole families will come and spend the day eating and watching movies at this cinema. The belief is that the longer the people are there and the happier they are the more money they will spend. The owners go out of their way to assure there is a variety of foods and entertainments to keep people interested and spending.

Thank you for your time. If possible could you please forward me the name and e-mail address of someone from the Cineworld corporation that is in charge of the Cineworld chain?

Sincerely,

Jane M

Response from UK Theater

2006-04-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

The following is the response I recieved from the theater in the UK who searched a young womans purse for any foods she might be bringing in. I had sent my post as an e-mail yesterday. I pasted it here just as received...typos and all.

"Thank you for the email.

I have not seen any mention of staff addressing dietary issues as we are snack operators only and mostly get requests for sugar free snack products.

Cineworld is a film exhibitor as well as a food operation. Our snacks are carefully chosen for ease of preparation, noise levels, freshness, cleaning between shows and health and safety. Among the items we do allow in any of our cinemas are carrots (noise) and fruit of any kind. Fruit items in particular are smelly, dangerous when dropped in a dark screen, and attract flies. Fruit products destroy our seat fabric, customer clothing and carpeting and cause accidents.

Many of our food products, including popcorn, contain no animal products.

Our random search policies are not designed for food alone and vary from site to site. During these spot searches we often encounter foods we do not want in the auditoria such as pizza, burgers and fried chicken and ask customers to finish these before entering an auditorium. We have also found drugs, knives, laser pens, smoke bombs, camcorders and live pets in bags during spot checks.

All we ask of customers who decide not to purchase from our snack stands is to refrain from eating for a couple of hours while watching the film and respect our food offer as they would when bringing outside food into any food establishment."

I am considering what to write in response to this. Clearly they are not concerned with the customers satisfaction at all. Also, there seems to be disagreement concerning the popcorn being vegan. As far as I can gather the bottled water is the only item there that is probally vegan!

Vegan Chocolate Covered Prezels

2006-04-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

Endangered Species bar and some pretzels....hmmmm....put the two together and I get yummies!!!!!

Vegans and Movie Going????

2006-04-04T05:59:00.000-04:00

Recently a young vegan woman in the UK had her purse searched for any food stuffs she might have been bringing into the theater. She was told that if she wanted any food she would have to buy food from their concession. As there was little if anything stocked in the concession that could be considered vegan she asked if there could be some sort of exception. She was told not too politely that her dietary concerns were not the problem of the theater.

Hmmm, ok, now I know that yes the theater is in the business of making money and yes, it is a rule that you should not bring in outside food. However, in my experience that outside food rule is rarely enforced. I can't remember any movie I've gone too that someone hasn't snuck in some carrots or fruit to snack on. In fact it seems to be the habit of some mothers to regularly bring 'healthy' movie snacks in their purses to give their children. To have a rule so strictly enforced seems to detract from the theaters appeal.

Also, what bothers me is the theaters remark that someones dietary concerns aren't their problem!!!!! You would think that in the interest of making happier repeat customers that alternatives to junky food would be offered. Apparently not in some cases.

At any rate the thought of having a purse searched in order to see a movie rankles me a lot. Anyone searching my purse is going to find my emergency stash of food too. I could understand concern over alcoholic beverages and the like but something like a clif bar or some dried fruit????

Ok, so I am starting to rant...well...maybe I was ranting all along. Just think that any theater with that kind of additude isn't worth patronizing! I would rather give my money to one that could be somewhat flexible and cared about their customers comforts!

What is a Vegan?

2006-04-02T17:14:00.000-04:00

Ok after watching the below I came to the realization that there are so many people living in darkness. In so many ways I feel very sorry for them. Wake up folks! Ignorance is not bliss...it's just ignorance!

Fast Food Vegan Pizza!!!

2006-03-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

Discovered that two pizza joints near me don't use any dairy in the pizza crust! It is possible for me to get either Marco's Pizza or Cottage Inn Pizza now. They both offer veggie pizzas....by asking them to leave off the cheese I can get a a vegan pizza....YAY!!!!

A few of my favorite online vegan shopping sources

2006-03-29T22:15:00.000-05:00

Not much going on today but I was starting to feel I was neglecting this blog. So I decided to post a couple of my favorite online sources for vegan products.

The Mail Order Catalog for Healthy Living Believe it or not they actually have a vegan whipped cream in a can! Haven't tried it yet but am putting it on my list.

Food Fight One of the few places I can find a vegan oyster sauce. The bottle is huge...at least a pint of the stuff but costs less than $2! Plan on trying the vegan marshmallow creme soon.

Vegan Unlimited Very swank looking site. Please don't be put off by that...they have a lot of great products for gift giving too!

Vegan Pangea Products Seems like this place has been around forever! Think it may have been the first site I ever ordered from too.

I have ordered from these places with good results. If I have any complaint it is the cost of shipping can be more than the item I want. So I usually wait until I have a list of items to refill or give a try.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

2006-03-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

Well, another year on this earth! Wish I had something really deep and significant to say about it. Don't though. Just a little confused about how I got this old. How the H did that happen?

I didn't go to bed until 5 am and slept till 3 pm so I am more than a little disoriented today. Body is trying to tell me that I am too old for that kind of behaviour but I am doing my best to ignore it.

The Vegan Sugar Talk

2006-03-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

There is a lot of confusion about which sugar is vegan and which is not ...and why. Basically that white refined sugar available in every grocery store is made from plants. These plants are either sugar cane or sugar beets. So if sugar is from a plant why can it be un-vegan? Processing! Bone char is used in the refining of some sugar canes.

According to Wikipedia:

"Bone char, also known as bone black or animal charcoal, is a granular black material produced by calcinating animal bones: the bones are heated to high temperatures in the absence of air to drive off volatile substances. It consists mainly of calcium phosphate and a small amount of carbon. Bone char has a very high surface area and a high absorptive capacity for lead, mercury, and arsenic.

Uses
Bone char is used to remove fluoride from water and to filter aquarium water.

It is often used in the sugar refining industry for decolorizing (a process patented by Louis Constant in 1812). This leads to worries from vegans and even vegetarians, since about a quarter of the sugar in the US is processed using bone char as a filter (about half of all sugar from sugar cane is processed with bone char, the rest with activated carbon). As bone char does not get into the sugar, sugar processed this way is considered parve/Kosher. Vegans are of varying opinions over whether such sugar can be considered truly vegan"

As beet sugar is never processed using bone char than you think it would be easy just to buy that, right? Nope. Usually, no where on a bag of sugar are you going to find if a sugar is from sugar cane or beet, let alone if it is cane sugar if bone char was used in processing. Supermarkets buy from who ever is giving them the best price at the time so it could be either cane or beet depending on which vendor had the best price.

So how do you find out? Go online and search for beet sugar manufacturers around your area. In my case one of the industries in Michigan is growing and processing beet sugar. Both Big Chief and Pioneer sugar is created from beets and available at least locally.

Does this mean I am advocating the use of refined sugar. Errr...no not really. However, I like to entertain and some omnis are convinced that vegans live a life of deprivation. Haaaa! I like to sneak in dishes that most people think that a plant based diet couldn't possibly provide...like angel food cake or lemon meringue pie. It's like this, if I have to literally sugar coat something to get people to even sample a vegan diet...I am going to give it a try. That being said I probally have had the same 5 lb bag of sugar in the cupboard for at least 3 years.

Vegan Angel Food Cake?

2006-03-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

I found a recipe for vegan angel food cake! I haven't tried it yet and have no idea how it would turn out but here it is:

Angel Food Cake
Cakes - Plain

INGREDIENTS
• 4 ounces / 1 cup self-raising flour
• 2 ounces / 4 tablespoons cornflour
• Pinch of salt
• 8 ounces / 1 cup soft brown castor sugar
• 1 x 200 gram / 7 ounce block of tofu
• 8 fluid ounces / 1 cup soy milk
• 2 heaped tablespoons chickpea flour
• 4 fluid ounces / 1/2 cup oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

METHOD
Place the tofu, sugar, gram flour, oil, vanilla and lemon juice into a blender and blend well. Add the soya milk gradually.
Transfer to a large bowl and fold in the flour.
Spoon into a greased 9 inch / 23 centimeter cake tin (the sort with a detachable bases and loosenable side is best) and bake for 45 mins at gas mark 4 / 180C / 350F until golden and firm to the touch. Cool in the tin.

I haven't been doing a whole lot lately. Laid off for now and have been scheming to take over the world.

Ahhh Sleepy Saturday!!!!!

2006-03-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I probally should be doing something. Instead I am having a sleepy Saturday. Yawn.....

Tomorrow I definately got to get in gear. Maybe get a few more pictures for this blog, huh? Some groceries in the house wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Today the girls and I are taking naps and snacking when we feel like it. I even managed to burn baked potatoes. Try to do that sometime.

2006-03-16T19:20:00.000-05:00

This is my eldest, Lacey. She is helping me install some computer stuff. She thought she was being quite helpful. Sigh.....
This is the youngest (and twice the size of her older sibling), Maggie. She could care less about helping but she does love having her picture taken.

Grub: Ideas for an Urban, Organic Kitchen

2006-03-15T23:15:00.000-05:00

Frances Moore Lappe (author of Diet for a Small Planet, Democracy's Edge, and coauthor of Hopes Harvest) and her daughter Anna Lappe (co-author of Hope's Harvest) will be doing a national book release for "Grub: Ideas for an Urban, Organic Kitchen" by Anna Lappe & Bryant Terry in Ann Arbor, Michigan!!!

Ann Arbor Peoples Food Co-op's 35th Anniversary Gala Celebration is combined with the event!

April 2: Welcome Frances Moore Lappe! Reception and book signing 7:30 pm to 9 pmApril 3: National Book Release- "Grub: Ideas for an Urban, Organic Kitchen" Anna Lappe & Bryant Terry. At Shaman Drum Bookstore at 6pm

April 3: Frances Moore Lappe, Anna Lappe - Talk and Book signing. Crazy Wisdom Tea Room 7 to 9 pm

April 4: PFC Annual Meeting & Social- 5:30 Gala Celebration 7:30 pm featuring Frances Moore Lappe and Anna LappeReception following: Michigan Theater
Tickets $20 or $15 for PFC Members
Purchase tickets at PFC, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore or A&L Wine Castle
Contact 734-994-4589 for scholarship ticket information

I'm so excited! I am going to meet one of the women who changed my life! Frances Moore Lappe!!!!! YESSS!!!!!