FREEDOM!! Well deserved FREEDOM!!

A feeling greater than eating meat after a two month abstinence. Greater than seeing a friend after several years. More memorable than the first time you kiss someone. *clears throat* Anyway. The moment I am speaking of is Graduation, and the days following.

Let's start 14 years ago. My sister was in head-start, while I sat at home. Bored. I mean, VERY bored. But soon, my father discovered that  family friend ran a small day-care in her home, which burned down like 10 years later. Different story though. Soon, I was there on a daily basis, and I loved it. I met lots of people, I started my schooling early, which helped push me to the point I am at today. I don't remember much from those days, but I know that they were very enjoyable.

Move on from there, and we find me in Kindergarten. Another fun filled adventure. I met a lot of people who became life long friends (or so I thought for several years), I learned a lot, and it was only half a day. Just enough time to keep me occupied, and not too long as to make me bored with it. Little did I know that that was going to change.

Bam! First grade. Huge change. I was up early in the morning, at the school with my packed lunch from ma, and having to walk to school. Back then I lived across the street so I didn't mind the walk. We usually had a group of about five or so kids walking over. I learned very quickly. By the first month, I had been placed in an advanced reading group and already knew basic multiplication and division (I have my dad and a freak find in Rite-Aid for that). However, that was when the trouble started. I felt like I had no friends, which was wrong, I felt abandoned and bullied, again not true. I turned to aggression and even focused it towards the teachers of my school. I was violent, belligerent, and out of control. By the third grade, I had made quite the file in the principal's office.

Finally my father said, enough. If I were to get in trouble one more time, he would pull me out and home school me. I didn't take him very seriously. I even remember the day I made the mistake and got in trouble. We had been in class all day. I was restless and it was too quiet for me. I grabbed two pencils and put them up my nose, and caused quite the uproar. When the teacher regained control she asked me to stay after the class. I wasn't worried until I saw her filling out an incident report. I panicked and broke down after the class left. I wasn't someone who took bad news easily. I pleaded with the teacher, explaining my plight. She merely shook her head and told me to call my father. Those words made my heart drop.

My father and I had had our conversation maybe two days before that fateful day. I slowly dialed the phone, still sobbing and gasping for air. When he picked up, he probably said Hello? about 5 times before I answered. Taking a deep breath I explained that I got in trouble. There was a bout a minute of silence, before he answered. His tone had changed. He sounded disappointed. And could I blame him? I was a bit of an idiot, took me several years to figure it out. We talked for about 15 minutes, mainly about what we were going to do now. When we finished, he came to the school and we sat in the car in total silence. The next day, we had both come to grips with what had happened. We decided that I should stay till the end of the term and then we would enroll me at a little place called Homesource.

I was worried when I heard that. My cousins went there. And they were strange to me. I always thought they were outcasts, rejects, and just plain weird (which, yet again, was wrong.). My first day at Homesource was as bad as I thought it would be. I only knew one person, and the people weren't all that social, so making friends was a useless endeavor. I hated that first term. The next year however, I was better prepared. I started to appreciate the little things. I got to sleep in, I had almost everyday open, and my homework was incredibly small. By the end of fourth grade, I had learned to like it, but I really wanted to go back to the way things were.

My parents felt that I had improved enough to go back. They couldn't have been more wrong. We had just moved so I was put into yet another new school. The teacher's and I never saw eye to eye, we always argued. I knew no one, again, but it was easier to make friends. With the weird kids. I fit in with them easier for some reason. I didn't mind it though, back then I had no real grasp of the difference in groups of kids. Still, I excelled at all subjects, math and reading being my primary specialties. When I left, I had a small following of nerds and geeks. We all had each other's back, until that big mean guy came along. Then they scattered like roaches. However, in Middle school, I had the same group. New bullies though. Using our lack of social skills, we slowly drew more and more "social outcasts" into our group. By 7th grade, we were larger than the popular kids and the jocks combined.

Oddly enough, I had mellowed out by then too. I was calmer and easier to talk to. People were more comfortable approaching me. And I also had a slight charm. Or that is what I was told. By the numerous girls asking me out. I rejected them all, which in hindsight should have been done a bit more tactfully than I did it. I made a lot of people mad at me still. I was constantly bullied and beaten. Back then I had learned to control aggression but I was no pacifist. I fought back on occasion. I won most of the time. It helped to be one of the tallest and biggest kids around. By the eighth grade people usually steered clear of me. Except for one freak incident on the bus when I got punched in the face because of a mis-communication between my sister and I.

Halfway through the eighth grade, most of my group had dissipated, and I found myself hanging with the younger crowd. They all looked up to me, and I liked that. I protected them from the big kids who were just total jerks. Then I graduated from Middle School. It wasn't a big thing. Just a faux ceremony with a phony diploma thing. But that summer, was a life changing one. I had a friend who worked at HomeSource. Those of you just joining us, or who think that this post is too long to remember squat from earlier, HomeSource is the school I saw as very anti-social. He asked why I left HomeSource. I explained that my folks didn't feel capable to teach me everything I needed. He informed me of a new development. HomeSource and an online Charter School were going to merge. I told my folks and we both felt it would be a good idea.

So I started classes online and through HomeSource. Some of it was nice, but I had lost all my skills with math. So the next year, I took math through HomeSource. It all came back to me. I aced it and started to really like the school. However, that year, something happened, I dunno the exact details, but HomeSource and the Charter School parted ways. Homesource decided that they could become a charter school of their own and they did a good job of it. I was loving my classes, I was making friends, and I was two years away from leaving school for good. Then this year I was making friends left and right. Everyone knew me, I was well liked by kids and teachers alike, and I was excited to leave. Barely scraping out of school I was within a month of getting out when I was hit with everything.

Things needed to be done for the graduation and everyone wanted to know my plans for the future. I was rushing to get the technical aspects of the ceremony done, trying to get people to cooperate with me. Finally the week before the ceremony, I had given up on one project and I was focused on one last project and was determined to finish it. And I did finish it. I got it done 3 hours before the ceremony, with more bugs than a cheap motel.

But finally, there I was. one hour from graduating. The teachers were speaking, the slide show played, students spoke, music was played, and then they started calling people up for their diplomas. I was in the middle so there were six people before me. As the person before me was still on stage, I slowly stood and took up my spot at the edge of the stage, smiling at the MC and looking at the crowd. Then, the MC turned and said my name. I was caught off guard. Not by them calling my name, but by the number of people who applauded. The cheers were loud and the whole auditorium was in an uproar. I was confused. I was not a popular person. My family wasn't that big. Why were so many people cheering? I never found out the answer, but I approached the end of the stage where stood my mother in tears, my father, looking as proud as I have ever seen him, and my step-mom, holding back a meltdown. The rest of the night was a blur.

But I knew one thing.

I was out.

And this time, for good.

Graduation

Well, I gave up on being vegan. So, now I need to find something new to write about. Before you start barraging me with questions and condolences, lemme explain. On the diet for two months, I lost no weight that didn't come back. I was off it for one week and lost 15 pounds overnight. So I am just going to try and find a balance with my normal eating habits.

So, back to graduation. Yep. I graduate from High School this year. The shock of it hasn't fully hit me yet. Not looking forward to when it does. Plus, I have been busier than ever this past month. The past two weeks, I have had to oversee the senior pages, yearbook, PowerPoint presentations, and Senior video project. It is too much.

Last week we were supposed to have all the filming for the video done, but several things stopped us. One, our interviewer, the lovely Rayna Viles, was sick. Next, my battery on the camera was low, and I had forgotten the spare, or the charger. And finally, most people felt like taking the day we rescheduled for filming, off.

Next, I learn that no one has finished their PowerPoints, including myself, and I have to compile them together next week. So all this is just piling up at once. I was told to take things one day at a time, but they seem to just run away and ambush me all at once later.

Oh well. More naps and sleepless nights for me. Until next time folks.

NO ONE TAKES ME SERIOUSLY!!! :P

I haven't been on here for a while. Sorry my loyal and trusting fans. Mainly because I have nothing interesting happening. I haven't lost hardly any weight, I still feel miserable waking up every morning, and I have the strongest meat cravings ever. I have been able to stave them off with a mixture of distraction and great vegan alternatives.

However, I do have one big announcement. Ever since I announced that I was reintroducing dairy products back into my diet, I have received a lot of flak about how I am no longer a vegan. Therefore, I did a bit deeper health research and made a Solomon like decision. If I were to cut my portions in half, down to normal that is, I could easily put egg products back in with only good health effects. I will still avoid the obvious crap like certain salad dressings and mayo.

I know that a lot of people will point out that I said I would do this as a full vegan, but I also mentioned this was an experiment to help me lose wait. On top of that it was only intended to be temporary, so I need to change my diet in such a way that I can keep making healthy choices when I return to a normal diet.

That's all for tonight. Hopefully things will pick up and we will have things to talk about. Until then, This is The Jake of All Trades Signing off.

Procrastination

Yeah, yeah. It has been a while. I just haven't had anything to really talk about. And I have this thing with writing short posts unless absolutely necessary.

Not much progress. I found out that the 15 pounds I lost was just part of my weight's tendency to fluctuate. It goes up and down within the range of 250 and 280 pounds. So until I can get my sorry butt up and away from the computer, my weight isn't going anywhere.

I tried that quiche recipe that I posted before. Two things. I discovered that it was delicious. Before you cooked it. I had made up the mix, and tasted it. It was amazing. It was loaded with flavor, and dripping with suspense. I then put it in the pie shell and slid it in the oven, already salivating.

However, 30 minutes later, a foul stench filled the house. I opened the oven, and was blasted with one of the worst smells in cooking history. After the quiche finished, I tentatively pulled it out and began cutting it and serving it. Carefully, I took my first bite. And almost spat it back out. It had gotten worse. (Duh, you don't cook veggies to make them better.) A bit of Tabasco helped wash it down.

I may try it again, but I will not cook the mixture. Just eat it from the bowl.

Well, we approach the one month mark. I know a lot of people thought I couldn't make it this far. I can understand that. The cravings are unbearable. Plus, it is hard to find hearty vegan foods. Ones loaded with protein, and vitamins, and everything I need.

Someday, meat. Someday I will come back for you.

Bi-Weekly Update 3/9/2012 A Slight Change

Well we have passed my first week of veganism with no problem. Of course there were temptations. Yesterday, no one was watching and I almost ate a hot dog. Thank God for willpower. However on Thursday I was talking with an old friend about the decision. He thought it was a good idea but he gave me some stuff to think about.

When the body stops receiving the proper amount of protein, it begins to eat at your stores of it. Your muscles. And your largest muscle is the central piece of human anatomy. It keeps us alive, it distributes the oxygen around our body, and it is believed to be the center of love. (psh please.) Our heart. Your body will eat at those muscles and the damage is irreparable.

This made me think. Maybe I really wasn't 100% ready for the whole vegan thing. So I began to lots of research. I found two interesting articles.

The first told you what the average protein intake should be dependent on your weight. Take your weight in lbs and multiply it by 0.37 (.5 for the nuts who are into the metric system.) and the resulting number is your daily protein intake in grams.

Next, I looked up the protein content of everyday foods. It was here that I started my path towards an epiphany. I was browsing through the non-meat section when I noticed that Milk and dairy products were very high in protein. Especially low fat cottage cheese. So this prompted more research.

I looked up the known nutrition facts on the more popular, high-protein, low-fat, dairy products. I was amazed by what I found. Removing Dairy from your diet and replacing it completely, can actually be HARMFUL to your health. No substitute can give you the same protein, vitamin, or calcium concentration. Also, it is a staple in the common diet and one of the healthier choices for proteins.

Henceforth, and to wit, (I dunno what it means but it sounds cool.) I am making the decision to put dairy products back in my diet. I know this does not make me a full vegan, but this is a health experiment. Nothing more. I have found though, that some substitutes are lower in fat and calories.

So far I have lost 15 pounds. However, I may have blown it on Mongolian Grill so I will have to be a bit more strict. Thank you all for your support. Please enjoy following my path to proper health.

- A Jake of All Trades

3/5/2012: Family Support

Almost nonexistent.

Nah, it is mainly my uncle. He thinks it is hilarious that I became a vegan, so he uses every opportunity to make fun of it. My more immediate family is more supportive. I was over at my cousin's place from Thursday. The whole time I was starving, because normally, we eat so little, but now that I am vegan, it was even worse. But I managed, eating the occasional veggie burger, rice, corn, and my personal favorite, which I call, "The Procrastinator." It is two pieces of bread with cucumbers and mustard. Made in less than a minute, great for a last minute meal. Not very filling, but when you are hungry, anything is better than nothing.

Also I made he mistake of trying to eat a veggie burger like regular beef. I nuked two patties, put some mustard and ketchup on them and started nomming away. *gags* I will not make that mistake again. The patties taste great between some bread with some ketchup and mushrooms though, so I still have hope for them.

That Sunday, my uncle had to give the Public Talk in Albany, so I tagged along. After the meeting, we met up with some old friends of my Aunt's who had some interesting stories about her past. But that same family took us out to hospitality. My cousin and I were just standing around, talking, when she approached us and asked, "Would you like to go to Denny's or Sizzler's?" Big mistake there. My cousin and I are boats without rudders. We go where the wind takes us. When we are presented with a choice, we capsize. In the end, they took us to Sizzler's. That was a bittersweet moment. They have salads but I was surrounded by the amazing smell of meat lingering in the air. Ah it is to weep. I almost gave up then and there.

We walked into the front door, and my uncle leaned over and said to everyone, "I know what Jake's gonna get." What else was there? I got a salad bar, with a root beer. The minute I said Root Beer, my uncle leaned over and said, "You know they put meat in that right?" I merely shook my head and scoffed. For the rest of the meal he was silent. I enjoyed a couple salads and some onion rings. Some things can still be enjoyed. I then got up for my dessert, and my uncle leaned back and said, "They have meat pie."

As we left the restaurant, I grabbed one of the mints, and my uncle made his little crack. So while we were in the lot, I yelled, "I'll get back at you for this." My uncle is a quick thinker. He turned around and asked, "By what, feeding us a salad?" Everyone (including myself) were laughing so hard, that people thought something was wrong with us. The rest of the night went well, I ended with some french fries and oreos.

This morning I had oatmeal, which is delicious anyway, but when you long for warm foods that can fill you up it is like ambrosia. I spent about ten minutes looking for my lunch and decided on some rice cakes. I was fine till I got home. I passed out for about two hours, catching up on the lost sleep from my cousin's place. My mother made me some vegan burritos, using re-fried beans and tofu. They were delicious. Now, I am trying to research more options for food.

I will keep you nice people updated about twice a week. It is a nice distraction. In the meantime, I am looking for other distraction. The biggest is my writing and my Digital Move Making class. So if I get cravings I got enough to do to take my mind off of it. The day draws near a close, so I need to go to bed. G'nite all.

REPENT SINNERS!!

THE END IS NIGH!! Sorta.

That's right folks, the time is fast approaching when I turn from my animalistic ways and convert to the ways of Veganism. Although you do have to remember that this is not merely a test of resolve, but rather a health test. I am going to try to lower close to 100 pounds in under 5 months. This sounds a little like a big challenge but this whole experience is to push myself to my limits. I am including a rigorous exercise plan on top of the diet change.

This includes running and other aerobic exercises. (Yes that was a short list, but I haven't put too much thought into it. Not good planning I know, but I am just a pure procrastinator.)

Now I am sitting here, fearing the obvious stuff. Like the separation from my old friend meat. I know that this is a short post, but I got distracted, so I wanna post this before midnight, just so the first couple sentences are no longer usable.