Why I am no longer a vegetarian

My dearest vegetables,

Happy 1 year anniversary!

I can definitely say, it's been great.

But, we have to talk.

-Katherine.

(Originally written April 18th, 2014)

For those of you that don't understand my attempt to be clever, I'll explain it a little better. A year and a half ago, April 17th, 2013, I made the decision to go vegetarian. I cut out all meats and gelatin cold turkey.

When I started vegetarianism, it went very well. I kept track of my foods to make sure I was getting the right nutrients and never had a problem. I really didn't miss meat. It's surprising how easy it is to find meat free foods. My relationship with vegetarianism hasn't always been easy, though.

To be honest, I got tons of comments that I didn't want. Everyone around me suddenly felt it was fine for them to ask me how much protein I eat in a day and examine all my habits. I couldn't get through a day, or even a meal, without something coming up about meat. Can you eat this? Can you eat that? YES! I can. I just choose not to. This thing I'm doing here is completely by choice. I never ever brought up vegetarianism, but people around me felt the need to always make it publicly known.

Ok. So. We're eating pizza with a group. I feel like "cheese, please" is a lot easier than "I don't eat meat" and the following explanation; "no thank you" works just fine, too.

But over the last year, I've realized that I don't actually remember my reason for stopping eating meat. I care about animals, but these animals are raised and produced just to be eaten. Overall, I do not support large scale farming and mass businesses. That's the reason I've transitioned into. So, it's time for some changes.

I am no longer vegetarian; now Conscious Consumer.

Meat: I'm only going to eat you to have new experiences, or when refusing is inconvenient or rude. Don't worry, I won't be buying you any time soon.

Fish: Sorry, I'm coming for you. Your industries are a little different to me. 

We can still be friends, right?

T.P. T.M.I (Figure that one out, Gen X)

5/7/14

I got toilet paper stuck to my shoe for the first time ever the other day. Before this experience, I'd thought that wasn't really a thing that happened. Like slipping on a banana peel in cartoons? I don't feel like banana peel would be that much slipperier than a random napkin or noodle on the floor. Is it really that common of an accident? Why are people throwing banana peels all over the ground anyways? That's not sanitary. 

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Reasons I should not have ridden my bike today

4/16/14

• Over the last summer and winter, my handlebars have disintegrated to a sticky gross texture. As a result, my hands are oily and stained black.

•  I have no idea where I'm supposed to be biking. In the road? Yes, there are signs. "Share the road". But what about on the sidewalks between the footbridge with a bike lane, and the road? Am I allowed to bike here if I don't run over any people? Do I have to walk my bike? Do I look stupid for walking my bike?

• Weather. Everything that goes with weather. First off, today was not pretty. Alternating between a very cold rain and snow, my bike seat was very wet. This resulted in either a wet butt (which would turn into a freezing butt), or a wet sleeve (which would result in a freezing hand).

• Still on the weather topic. Regardless of my direction of travel, I was pelted continuously in the face by tiny hail balls that melted when they hit my skin. With stinging eyes, I looked down for the majority of the trip. Probably not safe among pedestrians and traffic?

• Think we're done with weather yet. Hehe. This one could be solved with gloves, but, of course, I don't know where mine are. My hands were FREEZING by the time I got anywhere. Not just cold. We're talking popsicles. Locking up a bike is very complicated when you have no feeling in your fingers. 

• I think my bike might be broken. I'm not exactly great with bicycle anatomy, but sometimes when I peddle, the chain goes wonky and it doesn't move the tires. I'm just peddling away and going nowhere. And of course, that happened this morning on my way to class; when I was late and looked terrible. Right next to my R.A. I'm pretty sure she already thinks I'm a bit crazy.

• Remember the wet butt part? Wasn't really avoided. I have a splash guard on my back tire, but there is a small section that shit can still get through. And where does it spray? Right on my bum.

To do list: 

• Figure out how bike chains work.

• Get a plastic bag for my seat.

• Find gloves.

• Cover my handlebars.

Fuck it. I'm just walking tomorrow.