Amy

When I worked for a publishing company in Georgia I used a Mac. They are so nice for Desktop Publishing. I loved it!!! At the time (1996) Mac computers weren't as compatible with other computers. When I made my first computer purchase, I bought an IBM compatible computer. I later accepted a position in Missouri (2000) where I traveled and presented to groups all over the state. Part of this position also required a lot of Desktop Publishing. I would have loved to have had a Mac for that however it wasn't compatible for my presentations. I think the Mac is the best computer however it has only been the compatibility with other computers that has kept me from owning one. I haven't researched them lately. I have heard there have been major improvements with compatibility.

LOL Wow that is amazing! That should be a super power.

Thank you so much for the laugh! I just sent the link to my brother. *crossing fingers*

My family is so supportive of other aspects of my life, just not this new lifestyle change. I know they want the best for me, but they haven't come to understand fully how this is a positive change. I have read somewhere about the comparison of veganism with the Matrix. My family is still stuck in the Matrix. lol Thanks for the cow is vegan idea.

After reading a post on bee pollen and another on pests, I have a question. If you have an invasion (ants, spiders, roaches, bees, wasp, etc.) in or around your home what do you do? Do you kill them, or do you invite them to stay? I am curious to know how vegans handle these types of situations.

Thanks for this link!!!!!

The best thing you can do, is do your research. Know how to answer those questions in your sleep. I get my calcium here, here, and here. Memorize everything on pages like this: http://www.milksucks.com/index2.asp. Ask them if they knew American milk is banned in Europe? That it actually helps to break down bones and CAUSE osteoporosis? Present it in such a way that they might find it interesting. Also, ask them to watch 'Earthlings'. Watch it with them, tell them the images and information presented are common practice, and that you are proud of yourself for standing up for something. That's the main thing I tell my mother.... that I feel like I'm really standing for something, and making a difference in the world at large. Hope that helps. Actually I am working on educating myself so that I can educate my family. That is why I love this forum. I have learned so much. I have been reading books and surfing the internet. I did send my brother the link to watch Earthlings and the vegan/Hunter 30 Days episode. My brother did watch them but it didn't seem to sink in. At least he was willing to watch them. I sent him the Not Milk and Milk Sucks website links. I haven't talked to him yet about his thoughts. Thanks for your suggestions. I have my work cut out for me.

OUCH!!! I hope that you are all better now.

When I became a vegetarian last year my father and brother both were upset and angry about my choice. They are both hunters and see nothing wrong with eating meat. My mother was the only person that was supportive of my decision. About 4 months ago I became vegan. This has become the "concern" of my family. I am the constant topic of conversation amongst my family. What about protein? What about calcium? The questions never stop. When I visited my family in Kentucky 3 weeks ago, my father was trying to "understand" why I am "doing this". After a long conversation trying to explain my choice to become vegan, I thought he finally understood. My brother went to visit my family this past weekend. Today on the phone he expressed his "concern" about what I am doing to my body. "Amy, do you realize that you are hurting your body? If you ever decide to eat meat again or drink milk, you are going to be extremely ill". I tried to explain to him that this is not a phase and he doesn't agree. He said that we needed to have a long talk as to why I am doing what I am doing. I just want to scream!!!! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should handle this new stress in my life?

Welcome to the group!

I loved the picture with the Emergency Switch. Did you flip it? LOL

Hello and welcome!

Welcome to the group.

Thanks!

I used my Vita-Mix for the first time tonight. I made a fruit smoothie with OJ, Banana, and Frozen Strawberries. Normally I would make it in my Magic Bullet. In the Magic Bullet, the strawberry seeds are intact and get into my teeth when I drink the smoothie. The Vita-Mix blended all of the tiny little seeds. No more seeds in my teeth. The Vita-Mix came with a book of Whole Food Recipes. I can't wait to check them out. The website also has many vegan recipes that I am going to try. So far so good.

Thanks to both of you for your advice and best wishes. I am feeling much better now. The pain has almost gone away. At work I climb stairs daily and walk a lot. I just tried to rest as much as possible.

Welcome!!!

Welcome!!!

Welcome!

Welcome!!!!

Yep I ordered the basic 5200.

Welcome!

I was out of town for a few days visiting my family but I am now back home. While I was gone my brand new Vita-mix blender had arrived. It is now set up on my kitchen counter. I am tired and will be going to bed soon. Tomorrow I am going to blend some veggies. My mother sent me home with 12 pounds of tomatoes and tons of zucchini, squash, cucumbers, and okra. I can't wait!!!!

Welcome!

I went to Kentucky for a mini-vacation and arrived back home today. On the second day of my trip I went to Mammoth Cave. I went on a 2 hour cave tour with my father and one of my friends. When the tour was over, we had walked 3/4 mile and had climbed around 600 stairs. This really did not seem like a difficult task since I walk and climb stairs daily. Some of the staircases in the cave were built extremely steep due to fit the cave tunnels. Some of the paths were also very steep in the cave. I have very long legs but had to take mini steps and hold onto railing in order not to slide on the wet floor. The next morning (Saturday) I woke up to extreme pain in my quadriceps. I didn't take anything for the pain. We had plans to go to Kentucky Lake for swimming and shopping. After a long day yesterday shopping and walking, I woke up this morning still in pain. I did take acetaminophen a couple of times today for the pain because I had a 6 1/2 hour drive home. Sitting down, standing up, and going up and down stairs causes me the most pain. I have looked online for pain relief and I am confused as to if I should use heat or ice. Any suggestions?