two years ago, i turned vegan on easter. tomorrow is easter again. but i am not vegan anymore. it hit me that i am actually going to a different country this summer with about 11 other students. the chances of vegan-friendly foods being offered may be rare. but the chances of finding exotic foods will be a different story. and that is just plain exciting, isn't it? i was raised to appreciate, respect, and observe diferent cultures in the world. as i continue to pursue my cultural anthropology minor, this trip will serve as an important life experience and opportunity to learn and understand just what and how cambodia's culture itself is structured-through the processes of socialization and enculturation. i'm taking field notes.

but rewinding, since christmas time, i have been practicing eating almost everything again, including meat and dairy. i have been adding just chicken and fish back into my diet. i also have been allowing myself to have products that have dairy in it for dessert, such as ice cream, cookies, cakes, the usual, etc. i believe those unexpected, dark-looking bruises on my neck have gradually disappeared over the last few months due to the switch back. my overall weight has somewhat remained within the similar range. so in whole, i am happier in some aspects. but most days, i am drained, inspired/uninspired, and moody. this is not due to the diet, but due to the my work ethics. i'm working hard and trying my best everyday. though sometimes, it's not all worth it. college was and is still very different from what i imagined. i rather be doing things that are not required or assigned. i find myself blending school work and social life into one, day after day, and it hardly ever works out. i just trick myself into believing that it always does. i realized that the only good year is your first year in college. this is not to say that everyday has been bad. there were ups and downs.

-jane