"Do or do not, there is no try." -Yoda

So. I've decided to do something... and it's called vegetarianism. 

I'm not just joking around though - I've taken the 30 day "Veg-Plege" from goveg.com and I've got the e-mail confirmation to prove it: 

Congratulations!

You have just taken the first step toward a healthier and more compassionate life. Going vegetarian has never been easier, and and we're here to help. For some delicious recipes to get you started, as well as a list of fantastic vegetarian products, popular veggie cookbooks, and much more, check out http://www.vegcooking.com.

A vegetarian diet is truly a life-saver.  Every veget

arian saves more than 100 animals each year, and vegetarians are less likely to suffer from  heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer, according to the American Dietetic Association. Plus vegetarian foods are delicious!

The following are our "Top Five Tips for Making the Switch":

1. Make vegetarian version of your favorite meals.

2. Explore delicious vegetarian recipes. 

3. Try tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives. 

4. Sample microwaveable meals and convenience foods. 

5. Find vegetarian-friendly restaurants in your area. 

Thank you again for taking the 30-Day Veg Pledge. Please visit us again at http://wwwgoveg.com to check out our new contests, celebrity features, and delicious recipes. 

Best of luck!

Sincerely, 

Jenny Lou Browning

Vegan Special Projects Coordinator 

So, here's the deal. I'm not 100% sold - I love dairy products and fish, so I am working on eliminating those later. For now, I am set on cutting all chicken, pork, turkey and beef out of my diet. Why this sudden change, you ask? 

After listening to Gene Baur present at convocation 2 weeks ago, I was inspired to change my eating habits. However, this wasn't the first time I thought abo

ut removing meat from my diet. This summer, I had the privilege of hearing Coleman McCarthy speak at a Presidential Lecture Series for The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. McCarthy is widely recognized for his accomplishments as a "journalist turned peace activist," as well as his practice as an ethical vegetarian. His speech motivated me to try vegetarianism, and I lasted... for a week. Now, I am determined to last for at least a month - but I am going to to my best to continue my vegetable eating forever!

Tonight I made an excellent recipe for veggie pizza - I highly recommend it. In fact >> here's a picture of the final product:

How in the world does this relate to becoming a woman of influence? Good question! Here's how I see it: I am taking a stand. I am tired of complaining about excessive carbon emission and the unethical practice of the meat industry. I can't sit complaining, hoping that someone else will make a change...

I want to be that change. 

There comes a point in time when you have to stop talking and start walking the walk. Like Dr. Waters said today in class... you can't make exceptions or allowances for yourself. you have to go 100% all in. So I'm taking the plunge. I've made it through a week already (enduring constant criticism from my meat-loving boyfriend all the while) but I've got a long way to go. 

For those I hope to influence (the young ladies), how can I expect them to make a change, when I am not willing to do it myself? I want to be an example for others in order to prove that when you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. 

I want to show others that it's important to take a stand on issues they feel strongly about. If they don't agree with something, I want to encourage them not to simply change their attitude - I want them to feel empowered to change their behavior and make a difference.

I'll close with a quote that sums up this post rather nicely... 

"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions"

-Harold S. Geneen

Becoming A Woman of Influence

What does 'becoming_awoi' mean, you ask? It means, "Becoming a Woman of Influence," and it is based off of a book I received this summer from my friend, Sarah Duvall. I know it sounds cheesy, but let me explain:

Throughout my life I have been blessed to have outstanding role models that provided me with guidance and support. However, when I came to college, I found girls who became even closer than role models; I found friends, sisters and mentors. Their relationships made me who I am today. I wish I could repay them for their outstanding love, lessons and time they gave to me - but I can't. For lack of a better phrase, it's my time to 'pay it forward' to a new generation. 

This blog is dedicated to all the women role models I have had in my life including my mom, grandmother, sister, teachers and friends (there are too many to name!). Everything they have been to me, I wish to be for others. Just as they influenced me, I wish to: 

"encourage dreams, speak into lives and listen to hearts." 

- Becoming a Woman of Influence

Becoming a women of influence is more than building relationships, I believe it can encompass a number of things. Throughout the semester this blog will help me gain a better understanding of myself, reflect on my path to become a better citizen, allow me to evaluate my relationships with members of my family, sorority, roommates, etc. I want to hold myself to high standards and encourage others to realize the potential they have within themselves, so they can do the same!

Because this post is mostly introductory, I'd like to share a song that remains close to my heart. Part of the lyrics are displayed on the side of my blog, and have inspired this blog as well :). This song was written my one of my close friends, and the words never cease to inspire me...

Who I Am

By: Megan Blosser

Can't make a lot of noise by myself,

Can't get through this life without the encouragement from someone else, 

and through the trials and the miles I count the smiles, 

I wouldn't trade the world for this nifty thing. 

I'd be bored, I'd be blue. 

Without you here I wish you knew how much I look up to you, 

to be a part of something big makes me grin, 

where do I even begin? 

'Cause in this life I'm gonna try, gonna cry

Gonna know that it'll be alright. 

Gonna smile, gonna fight, gonna fly. 

Gonna life, gonna hope 

Found my home here with my biggest fans

That love me for who I am. 

At the end of the day I know I'm blessed. 

'Cause no one else would ever put up with my craziness, 

Make me laugh, lift me up when I can't stand, 

To be guided by a gentle hand. 

People come and people go...

And some will stay and pave a way and plant a seed to grow

Take your hand, help you come a long and see. 

That love is the greatest of things.

How do I blog?

This is a test.