Diamonds Are Not This Girls Best Friend

Just a few short months ago, my husband and I went out shopping for my new diamond ring. We're celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary this year and I suggested getting a new wedding set.... I felt as though I should get a newer, bigger diamond because I had somehow earned it and that it was owed to me. Chris had me try on rings that cost more than I would spend on a new car and as beautiful as they were to look at, they didn't feel right on me. There was something unknown that just didn't sit well. Our anniversary is fast approaching and so I have been learning as much as I can recently in order to make the best decision. I've spoken to many retailers and diamond specialists and have learned a lot about cuts, clarity, colour, weight etc.
Then.... through research online, I discovered articles on the unfair labour, bloodshed, brutality and the loss of precious life that comes as a result of people like myself who purchase these precious gems. I honestly had no idea. I know... I've lived a sheltered life but this is no excuse to not know about something this huge! I've been misinformed about these stones and feel ill reading about all that goes on in the diamond industry. Conflict diamonds, blood diamonds and child labour articles are swarming the internet, yet still we don't talk enough about them. It's so easy for people to turn a blind eye when their eyes are filled with the gleaming sparkle of carats I guess.
I've since taken a good look at the role I play in our marriage and have put much thought into what it is I thought a big shiny diamond ring would do for me. I've realized wearing it would represent many things to many people's eyes, but the feeling I'd have would not be a good representation of who I am or of the word "reward" at all. It would go against all that I stand for in terms of world peace first of all and second, the love I get from my family is the ultimate reward for being who and what I am to them. Thanks anyways, but no diamond needed here.

I've Lived This Story!! Love It.

From Protester To Parent story found on the PETA site.

I'd Rather Be An Eco Terrorist Than A Corporate Terrorist. Watch Burn it Down - David Rovics

This, I believe.....

“We are spiritual beings having a human experience."-Oprah

I LIKE IT! ~Enrique Iglesias-(Jersey Shore Version) feat. Pitbull

Vegetarian Thai Red Curry With Soy Chicken

2 tsp veg oil
1 small shallot or onion
4 cups of cut up Veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peppers, celery, mushrooms... whatever works)
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 vegetarian soy chicken-less breasts + 2 tsp veg oil
1 can of Coconut milk
2 tbsp Red Curry paste
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 chopped green chilies
Dash of salt
Chopped green onion to garnish
Rice noodles or brown rice

In a wok, stir fry the shallot/onion in 2tsp veg oil until transparent
Add in the mixed fresh veggies. Stir fry the veg but keep it crisp.

Fry the soy chicken-less breasts in 2 tsp veg oil until golden brown (about 3 minutes on each side)

In a separate sauce pan, simmer 1 can of coconut milk with the red curry paste over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, frozen peas and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in chopped green chillies, then pour the sauce into the wok of vegetables and mix in. Cube the soy chicken-less breasts and add in. Prepare the rice noodles or rice according to the package directions and serve with the curry! Garnish with green onion. It's THAT simple : )

The Trollsen Twins

Dress up the Trollsen Twins at peta2.com!



Dress up the Trollsen Twins at peta2.com!

Gandhi

"There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for."-Gandhi
"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."-Gandhi

We Choose Compassion

Three Generations of Circus Boycotters

The Shrine Circus came to town and myself as well as 50+ other animal rights activists went to create some awareness around the abuse these circus animals endure on a daily basis. For the most part, we received positive feedback and one couple even turned around and went home, claiming the thought never even occurred to them. We were thanked and supported by many, others just pretended to not see the gruesome signage and of course, there were some people who had opposing opinions. One man made a remark in passing about me having my children there.... I really wish he had taken the time to stop and discuss it, because I love this topic. 
On a daily basis, parents all over the world expose their children to various religions. It is socially acceptable to take children to church, or temple etc etc and have those children absorb the parents beliefs from very young ages. The children are expected to learn, obey and live their lives according to those beliefs. It is up to each individual family to decided what values they want to instill in their kids, and determine which way they will execute that.... be it Sunday School, Christian School or however else they choose.
Our way of living does not have a Bible, we do not sing hymns or gather on a weekly basis. Instead, we've chosen to teach our children values such as compassion through concrete measures in our home and by including them in demonstrations that they feel good about participating in. By raising them vegetarian and educating them on how to live a compassionate lifestyle, I'm hoping that as our future generation they will be informed enough to make a positive difference in this world.  Am I ignorant to assume that is what we all want for our children? To turn out to be good people! Children are a reflection of us and so as good parents we do what we can to raise them right. And I think it's ok that we all do that in different ways.
Unfortunately Buddy from last night didn't hang around long enough to hear me out but maybe, just maybe he has taken a minute since then to think about his remark and ponder the thought that maybe, just maybe because of a compassionate up-bringing, my kids actually wanted to be there.

When I Say I Love You...

"When I say, 'I love you,' it's not because I want you or because I can't
have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you
do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen
the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity
exactly what you are.” Spike to Buffy by Joss Whedon