Esper

I'm worried that might happen, too, since small towns are so easy to adjust to and I feel uneasy about traveling. I want the most out of my life, I just have to make myself do it.

I'm considering running away to anywhere. I have a friend in Colorado I might intrude on move in with. The weather's nice there, I know people there, why not?

I couldn't get away with laughing at it publicly, I've lost friends for being an Atheist alone. But I'm sure it'd be very humorous if I sat at home and watched it.

What, laughing at Jesus?

Haha, consider yourself lucky. My mom didn't throw it away, but I'm surprised she never opened it. She's a bit of a religious kook.

The following

That would be ideal, I seriously encourage you to do that if you ever make it big. Haha, can't be any nuttier than whoever sent those Jesus tapes to everyone.

Ah, I see. But no, unfortunately, I don't know anyone with Netflix. It'd be pretty convenient to have my own account, but until I'm able to afford one I'll just stick with drooling over the Heima trailer on YouTube.

Sure don't, I've been meaning to get an account though. My credit card hasn't been mailed to me yet and I'm not making any money so it'll probably be awhile before I'm able to get one. ._. Are you able to share movies through Netflix or something?

Agh, that's disappointing. Saeglopur, that's another great one. I'd like to see Flugufrelsarinn live, his voice is magnificent in that song. I now feel heavily motivated to listen to them.
Oh, how I long to see Heima. I suppose I could always grab a torrent, but I'd feel pretty guilty.

They've definitely produce some of the most gorgeous sounds I've ever heard. Olsen Olsen and Staralfur have to be my favorites, Hjomalind's a great choice too. I was obsessed with Ny Batteri for the longest time after I heard it live somewhere (I've never seen them live, I'd probably melt...which is a strange, but likely reaction). I could go on forever, stuff's amazing.

Beautiful music they produce, I've been a sucker for post-rock lately. You seem to have good taste in music yourself, you can't go wrong with Sigur Ros.

That's a wise move, haha. When it's all you can do, you shouldn't feel too guilty.

That's understandable, I'm on a bit of a limited budget as well. Wow, Sapporo, the mountains must be majestic. I can imagine you'd be a little stir-crazy/homesick, though. I'm from Texas, so snow and ice sounds heavenly.
It's a tough diet to adjust to, I'll admit that I've cheated too many times to count.
I did live in a very small, conservative town in central Texas, but I got out of there a month ago. Now I'm living in a fairly small town near Austin. Still adjusting to the area, but the opportunities here are extensive and diverse. Wonderful change.

Good for you, I'd love to study abroad. I hope it's everything you hoped it would be. How long have you been/are you there for?
Yikes, sound tough. At least you're putting in the effort, though. When you come back to America, would you follow through with your consideration to go vegan?
What area of Japan are you in? Sounds like you're in a less populated area, I'd imagine you wouldn't have so much trouble with your diet in larger cities. Could be wrong, though.
Right. I'm in southern US, I get so many looks from ordering tofu meals.

Wow, that surprises me. The fact that I am surprised tells me that I must be completely ignorant of Japanese culture. Have you managed to maintain your diet so far? And out of curiosity, what are you in Japan for?
Yeah, tofu has been my resort for the past four years. You can do so much with tofu, but it gets old. I'm perfectly fine with not eating for pleasure, though.

It surprises me how more primitive practices are still standing strong, and how nutty people get in defense of those practices.

And boy, do I envy you...it is so hard for me to find food. I have to travel a few hours away if I want a quality meal. ;(

It all depends on who you talk to, and location seems to be pretty influential to ethical standpoints. I used to live in a very conservative area where if you're not a Republican, Christian, meat-eating athlete, you're regarded with contempt. I have traveled to more liberal areas where people were more than happy to listen to my thoughts and "cater to my vegan needs," if you will. I have found, though, that meeting people who claim to be open to your ideas hardly ever consider them.

Exactly, I tend to set myself up to be mocked every time the topic is brought up. It's nice to have a sizable accumulation of knowledge on the subject, and unfortunately for me, it's my lowest area of expertise. I'm hoping to acquire more information, I'd like to make more of a difference by persuading others rather than just counting on my own decisions.

I'm glad you responded to the Animal Rights thread...you tend to present better arguments/speak more eloquently than I do. xD
Your post was a nice encouragement to my vegan diet. I wasn't really having second thoughts, but thanks anyways...I certainly feel more informed. Hopefully, now I won't be blabbering the usual "I just have empathy towards animals" argument next time someone asks me why I chose to take on a vegan diet.