Veggie Burger

I'm trying to understand the concept of a veggie burger. As my teacher Dr Brocken would say "you can write a whole PhD about it"! A burger is, at the end of the day, a glorified beef sandwich, right? So, if you don't eat beef, why having a 'burger'?

I suppose as a young, hip, vegetarian person that you are, you want to hang out with your equally cool, hip friends for a casual meal. And when they order burgers you don't want to be left out eating 'just a salad'. So, a veggie burger is the perfect solution. You would all look the same, but you won't be eating the meat. It seems like the veggie burger brings all the 'advantages' of sharing a social commodity with your friends but without compromising your principles.

And then I wonder. Could I have a 'vegetarian option' for other aspects in life? For example, as a traditional Catholic girl I 'miss out' on a lot of things that others do. The dating game, a pretty difficult one, seems impossible to 'play' for me nowadays. How long would a guy stay with me with just 'hugging' and 'kissing'? The only thought of telling any prospects about it terrifies me! I am effectively uncool in most circles and could be deemed 'undateable' or 'just as a friend' kind of label.

Like the veggie option, I'd like it to be a Catholic dating option. But not just a salad. I want a burger. I want to fit in and look like everyone else but without compromising my principles. Is that too much to ask?

I want a veggie burger, please :)

Pajamas and rollers

I still find amusing seeing girls in Liverpool walking around town or going to the supermarket still in their pajamas and with rollers in her head. But really deep down I envy them. I'd LOVE to be able to go out in my pajamas. Oh, the comfort!! I could have done that while I was living in Liverpool and it wouldn't have mattered to anyone.

It's a great metaphore to what my life in this place has been. I haven't literally gone out in my pajamas but I have learnt to become comfortable with myself as a person. Sure, I still got awkard qualities that some people don't get but I don't get judged because of them. They can see the person that I am and like it. And if they don't they just keep moving without making any questions.

So, going back to a country like Venezuela, where appearances really matter it's a bit of a challenge. You would be socially crucified if you even went to the corner wearing pajamas or with rollers in your head. It's just unacceptable in that society. Dressing up is a must, for the ladies at least. And not only on the outside, but the inside as well. You are not allowed to be yourself if you're different. Your lifestyle and philosophies are not like everyone else's and therefore you're socially barred: 'So, you think because you're different you're better than everyone else?' 'No. I just am. Why is that so bad?'. I'm still waiting on the answer to that question.

I suppose it was easier when I was in school to blame my upbringing, or my good grades, or my status for my poor social skills. But now I got no excuses. I'm an outsider, a weirdo, and I gotta deal with it. People would expect me to put some 'make-up' on my personality, but I can't. Firstly because I don't want to and secondly because I don't know how to do it. So, all I'm trying to say is This is ME... You like it? Great! No? Please keep moving.

I'm ready to go out with (internal) pajamas and rollers in my head :D