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I went to the Galleria (mall) last night to get an invisibleSHIELD installed on my iPod touch. What does this have to do with Vegan Week? The invisibleSHIELD kiosk is in the heart of the Food Court (aka Gluttony Central). As I walked through the valley of the shadow of La Madeline’s, Sbarro, Ninfa’s, etc. – their delicious aromas couldn’t overpower me.

It’s not that I’m above temptation, I simply prepared for the occasion. While in route to the Galleria, I had downed a banana and half a bowl of brown sugar & raisin oatmeal. This was on top of the colossal container of Great Northern beans I had for lunch a few hours prior. If I had gone into that food court on an empty stomach, I’m certain we’d be rolling credits on the shortest. Vegan Week. Ever.

But it’s Day 2 and while I would love to write about how my resilience and focus is energizing me beyond measure – I am dealing with a combination of a rebellious body and a challenging universe. I’ve been on the “verge” of having a cold for the past 3 days (e.g., scratchy throat, drainage, etc.) but not sick enough to call-in (Thank God) and I’m battling with the psychological hunger over the actual physical need.

One reality I’m keeping in the forefront of my mind is that veganism is not about exclusion, but a shift in preferences. It is a struggle to trick my mind, that has endured a carnivorous lifestyle for over 30 years, that this experiment is not about punishing myself or restrictions – but a open door towards a new world of nutritional options that can extend the life I so thoroughly enjoy living.

But it doesn’t stop there.

This evening I’ll be attending a work function at an upscale restaurant known for its rich, decadent entrees and desserts. My prayer is that it’s high profile menu lends itself to vegan alternatives. If not, I will be praying to insure that I don’t abandon my plight while having to deflect my colleagues’ questions of “why aren’t you eating?”

PLUS I’m in charge of coordinating our staff meeting lunch on Friday and working with a local sandwich shop. Oy.

Can I say for the record that I already miss cheese? My homie, Ahmed, recommended Daiya as a great vegan alternative – so I’ll be checking it out. And who came up with the name Tofurky? That sounds like some foot/poultry fetish, for real.

So this is Day 2. I’m hungry, semi-sick, over-worked and sleep deprived…and I thank God for every moment I’m able to feel it. Discomfort is always a sure sign of growth.

Bring it.