The Weekend Send-Off

September 2nd, 2011 - filed under: Furthermore » Feedback

On the Parenting Panel (sitting far left) at Vida Vegan Con. W00t! Pic from Margaret.


So, have you noticed the absence of Vida Vegan Con recap? Yeah, so here’s the thing.

I don’t know what to say! I keep sitting down to write about my experience, and I’m all afluster. If I included everything that impacted me, and all the amazing people I met, and all the wonderful ideas I took away from the weekend, well, that would be a really long post. But when I try to edit down, I feel like I’m not doing it any justice. So instead, I’ve got my fingers in my ears, going lalalala and looking the other way. (And eating sunflower seed butter.) (Lordy help me so good can’t stop.)

So here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to point you at other people’s blogs. I mean, that’s what this was really all about anyways, right? The blogging community? These awesome bloggers have it way more together than I do on this one, so if you want to experience VVC vicariously for yourself, here ya go:

Jess, one of the conference founders, offers her first thoughts as the dust settles.
Gena writes about days 1 & 2 & 3.
JL, who I was so happy to meet this weekend, has written an entire series of posts – and is still going. You can read through her blog for all the VVC awesomeness.
Finally, Grant Butler of the Oregonian has a nice summary article, too. (he’s vegan!)

And now, on to the loving!


Le Love List

1. SPEAKING AT VIDA VEGAN CON!    Last week the anticipation of this was at the top of my love list; this week, it’s the accomplishment of it. Satisfaction. Okay, so I may not have been the most eloquent or profound of all panelists, but hey, I didn’t cry and I didn’t pee my pants, and as far as I am concerned that is SUCCESS!

I almost didn’t go to VVC at all, because I was too afraid to speak (couldn’t afford the cost of admission otherwise). But in the spirit of personal growth, on a wild whim I sent an email, signed myself up, and never let myself look back. And when it came time to do it, I held my breath and jumped in.

Public speaking was my biggest fear. Literally. Hands down. Like, I dropped multiple classes in college just to get out of it. And now, I’ve faced it down. I’m on the other side. There is nothing else that feels like that sort of courage!

What are you most afraid of? DO IT!

2. This video    Jonathan Foer’s book, Eating Animals, was chosen for incoming students at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University to read and discuss. The video is of his address at the event, and is a really interesting listen. Can’t say I agree with everything he says, but it certainly gives me lots to think about. Thanks for the link Monika!

(Also, speaking of Miss Monika, I think this post deserves a spot on the Love List as well. RIGHT ON!

3. Friends    Old friends who I’m really leaning on these days. (thanks guys) New friends who excite and inspire me and give me hope. This chick, who I officially, unadulteratedly, unabashedly have a super rockin’ girl crush on.

Also! Earl grey tea, sunflower seed butter, following my gut, facing the facts, opening up, crying, being okay with missing my mom, spending time outside, the way Waits tries to climb into the TV whenever a pool is on the screen, breastfeeding, Waits Waits Waits . . .

~~~

Alright guys, now it’s your turn – tell me what you’re loving this week!


My darlings, this happy little post will stay at the top of the page all weekend, so stop by any time to leave your Love List, ask a question, or offer some feedback! Or if you’re new, please introduce yourself and say ‘Oi!’! This is your community, so get involved!

Have a SPECTACULAR weekend!

  • Christina

    I actually had a really bad week. So I’m trying to absorb other people’s happy, love vibes. So thank you I’m so glad you had a great week and that the public speaking went well. That’s a big fear of mine as well. Have a great weekend!

  • http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com Monika {windycityvegan}

    Thank you for the link love, lady! While I don’t agree with everything Foer has to say, either, I truly believe that being open to more opinions on the spectrum is always a good thing. If nothing else, then if I hear something I disagree with I can examine it and figure out why – and reaffirm or reevaluate my own convictions.

    I am SO PROUD of you for confronting your fear of public speaking! I, too, dropped many university courses (and changed majors) to get out of it. And I hope to see you speak on a panel at the 2013 VVC. Who knows, maybe we’ll even be co-panelists…?

    On to the love!

    1. Getting off my ass and making some serious headway with my law school applications. I conquered *my* fear of intense one-on-one, semi-public speaking at my first official law school visit, and it went swimmingly. I also secured letters of recommendations from my preferred, umm, recommenders.

    2. My Nini Panini – she cracks me up almost every time she opens her mouth. She has a John Candy flair for pratfalls, a wicked sense of humor, and a really interesting sense of style. And her kindness makes me want to cry – seeing her help a peer or one of our animals, hearing the dogged frustration in her voice when she tries for the zillionth time to convince someone to not eat meat or dairy, discovering that she’s got a mama bear level of protection towards ME when it comes to gluten. I have to step back and remind myself, often, that she’s only four and a half years old.

    3. My husband, for knowing that if I was a superhero, I would want my superhero power to be, and I quote: “Being able to read even while asleep.” He knows me so well!

  • http://almostveganchef.com/ Amber Shea @Almost Vegan

    I’m STILL writing about VVC too! Only a couple posts to go. Great idea, though, “leaving the blogging to others”… ;P

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexander-Samons/100000246484494 Alexander Samons

    So, how severe was your public speaking fear? Mine results in dizziness, overheating, trembling, crying, and throwing up. I’m actually a bit freaked out just writing to you (even though this isn’t the first time I have and you’re awesome!).
    LOVE LIST:
    1. My new math class. I’ve just started my first semester at college and my first class to start was Beginning Algebra. I had forgotten how much I love math!
    2. My upcoming anthropology class (yes, more college stuff but I’m liking college so far). It doesn’t start until the 22nd of this month and I’m majoring in anthropology so it’ll be far from the last one I take but I love that and history and math so very much that I get excited just thinking about it. (You should have seen me flipping through the textbook at the bookstore today.)
    3. My eldest sister (well, both my sisters but I’m writing about the oldest one now). On my earliest first day of college I asked her to make me breakfast, I asked for “a pancake or something”. I got two pancakes with syrup on them, a cup of soy milk, and a fruit salad. I asked her to fix me lunch for my longest day of classes, I asked for “a peanut butter sandwich or something”. I got a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cut up apple, and a little package of cookies. It was like middle school all over again (well, the good parts of it anyway). She is so great!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexander-Samons/100000246484494 Alexander Samons

    So, how severe was your public speaking fear? Mine results in dizziness, overheating, trembling, crying, and throwing up. I’m actually a bit freaked out just writing to you (even though this isn’t the first time I have and you’re awesome!).
    LOVE LIST:
    1. My new math class. I’ve just started my first semester at college and my first class to start was Beginning Algebra. I had forgotten how much I love math!
    2. My upcoming anthropology class (yes, more college stuff but I’m liking college so far). It doesn’t start until the 22nd of this month and I’m majoring in anthropology so it’ll be far from the last one I take but I love that and history and math so very much that I get excited just thinking about it. (You should have seen me flipping through the textbook at the bookstore today.)
    3. My eldest sister (well, both my sisters but I’m writing about the oldest one now). On my earliest first day of college I asked her to make me breakfast, I asked for “a pancake or something”. I got two pancakes with syrup on them, a cup of soy milk, and a fruit salad. I asked her to fix me lunch for my longest day of classes, I asked for “a peanut butter sandwich or something”. I got a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cut up apple, and a little package of cookies. It was like middle school all over again (well, the good parts of it anyway). She is so great!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexander-Samons/100000246484494 Alexander Samons

    Oh man, that is the best superhero power ever. I told my sisters when I was really little and first heard of braille that I wanted to learn to read braille so that I could read until my eyes got tired and then switch to braille and keep reading.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexander-Samons/100000246484494 Alexander Samons

    Oh man, that is the best superhero power ever. I told my sisters when I was really little and first heard of braille that I wanted to learn to read braille so that I could read until my eyes got tired and then switch to braille and keep reading.

  • http://jlgoesvegan.com JL

    I would have NEVER guessed that you had concerns about public speaking! High on my love list is meeting you at VVC! What a treat!

  • Jane P.

    Delurking here…Well I am certainly glad you stood up to your fear of public speaking. It was an honor to meet you and see you represent positive, healthful vegan parenting!

  • http://twitter.com/alihalsaba Alina S

    L’amour…

    1. unpacking the last of my things after a month of travelling across the country
    2. my huge (to me) kitchen. I have a full sized fridge (and freezer!!) for the first time in 4 years
    3. living one block from the beach! and my cute schwinn beach cruiser to explore it with (thank you, craigslist gods!!)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692392402 Joselle Palacios

    Sayward, go you for conquering your fear!!!! And for not letting it get in the way of being a part of an amazing opportunity, experience and community. I really wished I could have gone to the conference and met you and heard you speak. I’m certain you were great!

    Oh, and your book is shipping as of a couple of days ago! How awesome is that? :)

    My love list:

    1. Losing 3 pounds effortlessly just from not eating sugar. I didn’t count calories or points and I still ate bread but I lost weight! And I wasn’t as famished every 2 hours as I usually am. Sugar really is the devil! And I still look forward to eating it as a sane person one day!

    2. We’re selling our house. Which is a pain in the ass but I’m happy we’re getting out of our neighborhood, which has been a source of unhappiness for me for 2 years. I’m happy to leave the trash and craziness and blight behind.

    3. Victoria Moran’s book. Practical, useful, non-flaky self-help advice from a vegan!

  • http://www.zerowastelifestyle.blogspot.com Sonja (zerowastelifestyle)

    Hello, a wannabe vegan question-how much spirulina powder do you use per day? It is so damn expensive-is a tablespoon enough per day?
    Best Wishes

  • Jenny

    Love List:
    1. Last weekend’s “Mind of Mentoring” Retreat with Jon Young and the amazing folks at Wilderness Youth Project here in Santa Barbara. This blew my mind wide open—–
    3. Buying Rowan his first carving knife and enjoying finding a sit spot together down Rattlesnake Canyon—Rowan carving wooden arrows and me bird…butterfly..dragonfly.. ( insert amazing nature wonder here) watching.
    4. Finding 2 amazing scrub jay feathers in our yard…Thanks Jay bird for contributing to Rowan’s dream catcher.
    5. My friend, Laurel, who is the perfect amount of quiet and kind and goofy and just a really good person for me. xooxo

  • Anonymous

    That is AWESOME about your public speaking success! I used to feel the same way and I promise you – it only gets better!

    1. Watching Showbiz India this morning while enjoying my green juice…gotta love bollywood tunes starting your day!

    2. Shopping for a bridemaid’s dress for my brother-in-law’s wedding! It gives me an excuse to buy something nice for myself…

    3. Starting medical school on Tuesday! I am SO nervous and excited and feel like I am getting ready for high school all over again :)

    Have a great week!

  • RK

    ~The List~

    1. Awesome, inspiring, anti-”the man” professors!

    2. My kids. I think they always make the list but I just think they’re super amazing and I am so blessed that they are mine!

    3. Being gluten free (meaning not accidentally eating something with gluten) just absolutely gluten free, for two months and felling grand!

  • Melisa

    Holy crap! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ethiopian food and I can’t believe there’s a zine of vegan ethiopian recipes! That has made my YEAR.

  • http://www.emilyscrueltyfreekitchen.blogspot.com Emily

    My list:

    1) My new cottage! It has a yard AND a patio! And awesome neighbors! And a soon-to-be vegetable garden!
    2) Snuggling with the cats. Need I say more?
    3) Raw desserts. Why haven’t I tried this sooner?

  • http://spabettie.com Kristina @ spabettie

    I am the same way, each time I try to write anything about VVC, I am … (blank) – and it just happened again, trying to come up with a word!! :)

    my recaps have been very utilitarian – just some topical events. food up next. I have one draft I keep opening… and saving.

    great to meet you – wish we had more time together! we’ll have to do something about that!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sara-Shumway-Thomas/1461588180 Sara Shumway Thomas

    1. a much needed girls day out with my mom & sister. got an awesome pedi w/ kickass bright blue polish & a new piercing. ordered fantastic vegan food for lunch, and as usual, ended up sharing all of it when everyone saw how super yummy it looked!
    2. my husband. he gives so much for our family, is everything i want & need, and i love him more every day.
    3. water kefir! made my first batch this week & LOVE it!
    4. talking veg. its amazing to me how many people want to know more when they find out im vegan. i love to talk to people & answer their questions about eating a plant-based diet. it makes me so happy to spark that interest in them, & i am hopeful that maybe it was enough to make them want to learn more on their own.
    5. SCOBY! thanks so sayward i am the proud parent of my very own home grown scoby! it was 2 weeks ago today that i started that little monster. tomorrow, i begin the kombucha brewing! yippeeee!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38914961 Sarah Jessi Smith

    http://vegancrunk.blogspot.com/

    Bianca is a local friend of a friend who lives in my city and went as well! She has a pretty good run down too :-)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Hi Christina, I hope your weekend was good, and that this week is looking better than last!

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Aw, thanks for the support, sweetie! It would be SO AMAZING to co-panel at VVC2. Seriously, let’s make it happen.

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Yup, sounds similar to mine! I tremble, and turn bright red, and sort of dissociate, like an out of body experience. Which of course makes it impossible to focus and be present and get through it! Ugh, so awful. Sorry you have to go through that!

    I’m jealous of your college loves! Such a wonderful time, to be immersed in intellectualism. =)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Oh JL that’s good to hear, I’m so glad it doesn’t show. And I was so glad to meet you too! Love your blog, it’s definitely a keeper. ;-)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Oh JL that’s good to hear, I’m so glad it doesn’t show. And I was so glad to meet you too! Love your blog, it’s definitely a keeper. ;-)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Thank you Jane, and it was so great to meet you guys too!

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    I use less than that! Probably about a teaspoon per day.

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    I use less than that! Probably about a teaspoon per day.

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Aw Rattlesnake Canyon, <3

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Aw Rattlesnake Canyon, <3

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Thanks lady! Yeah, I’m so glad I didn’t let it stop me. Such a great lesson!

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Congrats on the first day of med school, wow! Hope it went well. =)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    Meeting and chatting with you was one of my highlights! Can’t wait to cross paths again. =)

  • http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/ Sayward Rebhal

    I got to meet her, what a sweetie!

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