Ahh, But What Do You Eat?!

You may hear this question from a perplexed individual upon telling them that you do not eat meat. I attempt to not be a preaching, holier than thou vegetarian and keep my reasons and beliefs to myself. But eventually someone catches you eating a grilled tempeh, apple, and cheddar sandwich for lunch and the questions begin. The two most common are:

(imagine a look of shock and horror)
1. “But WHERE do you get protein?”

And the less intense but more personal:
2. “Why do you not eat meat?”

To answer the first question: how many Americans do you know with a protein deficiency? Or if I’m feeling less animated about the subject, I might respond “beans and tofu.” (This seems like what they want to hear.)

Question two is much more difficult to answer. If asked in passing, it is a complex and personal topic to explain in a brief sentence. Typically, I make a sarcastic comment such as, "I love all of God's creatures" and keep walking. But being a vegetarian is a conscious lifestyle choice and for most, cannot be pinned down to any one reason. There are a combination of factors that for some of us include the following:

1. Factory farming. You can’t be sure exactly what’s in a chicken breast these days! I don’t have time to investigate every piece of meat that goes through my digestive tract (and I sure don’t trust the government to do it for me). Is everything else I put in my body 100% natural or organic? No, but not eating meat is a good first step for me.
2. Global warming. These crazy weather fluctuations are real, and the meat industry is the number one contributor to the Earth’s overall increasing temperature. Fact.
3. Health. Diets low in fat and cholesterol reduce your risks for cancer and heart disease, while improving body composition. Surprise, surprise.

Other interesting vegetarian factoids:

1. Did you know that humans haven’t always been omnivores? True story: at the beginning of our existence we were merely plant killing herbivores. Clearly, we don’t need meat to survive and can obtain protein, vitamins, iron, and other minerals from alternative sources.
2. Cutting back on meat consumption awakens your taste buds to a multitude of alternative food choices. Seitan cheesesteaks, kale chips, black bean burgers, tempeh sausage, roasted fennel, miso soup, and on and on! These were all delightful culinary discoveries I probably never would have tried as a steak eater.
3. It’s cheaper. Truth. You’re looking at a thirty cent discount for bean tacos at Taco Bell. (And if that doesn’t convince you of the benefits of vegetarianism, then nothing will.)

In conclusion, I guess we can still be friends if you enjoy a filet mignon or fresh Maine lobster (but probably not if you eat veal). But think about other options out there! And no need to worry about the protein intake of us vegetarians...we've got it covered :-)

A closing quote:
“Bethany, would you like a goldfish?”
“No thanks, I’m a vegetarian.”

Skydiving Video!

Check it out!

http://vimeo.com/15756936

Skydiving Part II: So I flew.

Excerpt from Life Goal List:
23. Skydive - Completed on 10/9/10

Late Saturday afternoon I drove to the middle of nowhere Tennessee to jump out of a plane. With a stressful week (and semester), this seemed like the right thing to do. I watched an intimidating video about the risk of paralysis due to skydiving, signed away my rights, and waited my turn. Due to the large numbers of jumpers and quick plane runs, everything seemed to happen last minute. This actually worked in my favor because I had little time to think about exactly what I was going to do.

About ten minutes before boarding the plane, I got a quick lesson on correct skydiving positioning while getting suited and harnessed. I met my tandem partner, Tim, as we walked to the aircraft. We crammed into the plane while Tim buckled us together and told me our upcoming sequence of events and exactly what to do. “Make sure you keep your head on my left shoulder, arch your back, and when I go like this you can put your arms out,” he said. But of course I forgot everything. I guess that’s what happens when you jump from 14,000 feet in the air.

Next thing I knew, we tumbled out of the plane and Tim was pulling my legs back as we soared through the sky at over 100 mph, belly down with arms and legs out. It was an overwhelmingly intense feeling of freedom and uncertainty. A minute later, Tim pulled the parachute cord and the harness uncomfortably tightened as we zipped back up in the air. He let me control the chute and spiral over the newly red and yellow leafed trees, all with the setting sun in view. B-E-A-UTIFUL! Before I knew it, Tim was telling me to hold my legs straight out in front of me as we prepared to butt slide next to the target.

And just like that it was over. I was left with knots in my hair, an adrenaline rush, and questions about when I would jump again. Later, a few of the jumpers put on a spectacular fireworks show to end a great day! (Video footage to come!)

What's next?

Cause I left all my doubts on the airplane
I didn’t know I’m not in control
I didn’t know I’m not invincible.
–“Oviedo” by BP

Skydiving Part I: I have an itch to fly.

After a recent video chat (thanks for the idea Jetsons), I had the opportunity to receive life updates from my favorite 3 year old, Sam Steinbauer. He had just seen a penguin movie and was thus inspired to learn to fly. In between climbing and intense interest in the microphone, Sam described his attempts to fool gravity. You can’t read yet Sam, but I’d like to say, “Thanks for the idea!”

Fortunately, there is a skydiving club on campus at ETSU. With a quick phone call, I’m scheduled to jump out of a plane at a skydiving boogey this weekend. It seems too easy. Will it be that easy to make the first move out of the plane and into the clouds? Will it be that easy to pull the cord, release a parachute, and land on target? Luckily I’ll be jumping tandem the first time and have back-up just in case!

Updates to follow…

Things didn't work out like they should,
Farther from how you thought they would.
- “Matrimony” by TAB

A New Life Goal

Nothing is more pleasing than the sound of a gentle chuckle or a hearty guffaw especially when you evoke this response from your jolly father, Skip Jennings. Now this may seem to be an easy task as parents typically praise and encourage their children, instilling confidence and belief that everything they do is amazing. And I cannot complain because my dad does this in nearly every aspect. However a recent discussion with my loving, X-chromosome donating father left me perplexed. When asked to describe me in three adjectives, I left the room heartbroken as “funny” was not on his list. Seriously dad? You laugh at me all the time! How could I not be the funniest person you’ve met in your life?!

Dad is constantly laughing. His face reddens as tears stream down his face and his lungs gasp for air every time a bad pun is made. It seems as if every time I go home for a visit, we start yukking it up and I describe my new AWESOME idea of my perfect life plan. My father’s head tilts back and his belly begins to shake while producing a deep hearty laugh that is easily one of his most distinguishable qualities. This has been a common theme since the beginning of my youth. I’ll never forget the day my six-year-old self walked up to my father and told him that I wanted to be an astronaut. The laughter, which would become a common theme in my life, began as my father quickly shot down my hopes and dreams by reminding me that astronauts had to be good at science and I hated science class.

Around my dad, I pull out my most sarcastic responses, find the irony in every situation, and perform my best imitations (mostly of family members, sorry Chris). It makes me happy to see my dad’s face turn a deep shade of red as I think to myself “My dad thinks I’m funny!” But alas, I am wrong. However, I will not give up. I will strive and continue to make my father laugh until he believes with all of his heart and soul that I am the funniest person he knows. It is my new life goal.

Dad's favorite joke:
Me - "Dad I think you're getting deaf in your old age."
Dad - "Huh?"
Me - "You're going deaf."
Dad - "What? I didn't hear you."

Artist of the Week: Blind Pilot

Do we really need another indie folk band from the West Coast? Yes.

After noticing similar musical interests in bands like the Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons, a classmate passed along Blind Pilot’s debut album 3 Rounds and a Sound last week. Since then, I’ve been happily (and calmly) admiring their soothing rock vibe and gentle lyrical genius. The band combines simple acoustic guitar and background drumming with the occasional banjo, fiddle, and xylophone to create an immersion of pop-folk goodness. As you sip a pumpkin spice latte and watch the autumn mist fall on the trees outside, this album will surely warm your soul. With lines like “cause I left all my doubts on the airplane, I didn't know I'm not invincible” and “And the seasons will change us new, be the best I’ve known and you know me” how could you not enjoy this band?

Based out of Portland, Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dobrowski (in true hipster fashion) embarked on a bicycle tour along the West Coast and recorded their first album together as Blind Pilot in 2008. The band has since grown to six touring members, and opened for impressive acts such as Langhorne Slim, Andrew Bird, and the Decemberists. Check out NPR’s live concert from SXSW 2009:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101419055

Recommended if you like Ben Sollee, Sondre Lerche, Band of Horses, or My Morning Jacket.

Happy Monday!

and just where you are might be the right place
might be that sweet space but you don't know

well look me in the head I've got nothing on my mind
I've been waiting for you all this time

look me in the mouth I've got nothing in my smile
I've been waiting for you you're just my style

From “I Buried a Bone” by Blind Pilot

The Morning Walk

Coffee? Check.
iPod? Check.
Shades? Check.

I join a flock of twenty-somethings fleeing the parking lot and heading toward the main campus as if it were a giant magnet, and we were all little metal pieces being pulled directly toward it. A typical scene as we take part in the early morning rush to arrive to class on time where our sponge-like brain cells will absorb knowledge. Now despite what other lazy students believe, it is not a far walk from the parking lot to the classroom here at ETSU. Five to ten minutes max and you have reached your destination. (WVU on the other hand? Leave for class ninety minutes early). Still, in this ten minute walk there is plenty to see and one last chance to free your mind before the busy day of education begins. So what makes these items necessary for the short morning jaunt to class?

First off, coffee. That warm, bold refreshing beverage will caffeinate your senses during class and make you look super cool if you carry a Christmas travel mug in September.
Second, an iPod. Does this need any explanation? You MUST find the perfect tune to inspire your soul, and prepare you for a day of gaining knowledge. Pop those earbuds in and go, go, go!
Third, shades. Sure they will prevent the bright morning sun from burning your corneas but they will also provide a fresh worldview. There’s so much to see along the way! And it usually looks better while hiding under your favorite shades. It is also necessary that the shades reflect your specific personality. Perhaps this is your last chance for individual identity before retreating into the student masses of sameness and conformity!

After a refreshing morning walk, I arrive to class feeling relaxed and ready to take on the day. Then I notice that I forgot my backpack. No problem. More coffee, iPod, and shades time as I walk back to my car and retrieve the non-essentials items still in my car. :-)

When I leave home to walk to school, Dad always says to me,
"Marco, keep your eyelids up and see what you can see.” – from Dr. Seuss’s And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street