Had to put my own spin on the classic turn of phrase. 
Before I begin, I must say that I LOVE YA’LL! The response I got for posting a picture of myself on the toilet was great! I’m glad ya’ll loved it – that makes me so happy.
Of course, a bunch of people may have hated it and not said anything. If you’re in that group, thanks for preserving my ego and keeping it to yourself 
At this stage, it’s hard to fake the funk about who I am. So when people accept me and all my crazy, it reinforces my belief that being genuine and keepin’ it rull is the best way for me to operate. When it seems appropriate, I like to expose some of the things we keep to ourselves – it seems to demystify our experiences and bring us together on another level – and I love that.
So, thanks again. You guys are fabulous and I love you to death!
Now. Let’s get serious!
After juicing every morning for almost two months, I had to figure out a way to make my precious juice while home (in Portland) for two glorious weeks.
Here were my options:
- Drive over to the Drizzle’s and make a shitload of juice, then freeze some
- Borrow Drizzle’s blender and strain blended juice everyday
- Purchase fresh juice from my old yoga studio or Whole Foods (at least $8/day)
- Take my parents up on their offer to purchase a juicer (I’m too old to be this spoiled!)
- Pack the behemoth (aka the Breville) and lose some luggage space
As you can see, most of these options were either a) expensive, b) inconvenient, c) lame, or d) ridic.
After much deliberation and creative thinking, I went with option five.
With a few alterations!
I pared down, bringing only the truly necessary parts. In place of the bucket that holds the pulp, I brought some old bags. And I found a pitcher at my parents’ that fits under the spout.
It’s a two person operation. Today, Rob held the bag and pitcher:
While I shoved these ingredients in.
The result:
YUM!
I drank a ton of juice on ice this morning after a suh-weaty yoga sesh. So nourishing!
We had plans to leave for the beach – little family gathering to attend – and I knew there would be a massive amount of meat and potatoes for dinner. 
Rob and I walked to Whole Foods so I could get some dinner options that were a little more suited to the vegan lifestyle
I came home with salad:
And sushi!
I was pretty nervous about eating something different in front of my aunts and uncles. 
Even though I LOVE attention sometimes, I get uncomfortable when I attract attention because of what I’m eating. My extended family doesn’t know I’m vegan and I wasn’t about to launch into it while everyone else was enjoying cheeseburgers and potato salad. Rude!
Fortunately, I didn’t have to explain anything to anyone. A few people said, “You’re not eating a burger?” I smiled and said no, ate my salad, and continued charming everyone’s asses off. It probably didn’t faze them because my eating habits have been all over the place for about 15 years and no one really asks anymore.
I felt so happy to overcome that challenge!
I can tell that being home as a raw vegan is going to be tougher than I thought. It’s way simple to follow this lifestyle when I’m in Lubbock. When I come back to Portland, I want to visit all the places I used to eat and order things I used to, but things have changed. Rather, I’ve changed things.
I don’t plan on depriving myself or gettin’ crazy, but I do plan on being smart and doing what is in the best interest of my body. There is more to vacation than food and I forget that a lot.
I feel like I’m so serious lately.
I’m not though!
Posted by Lynn (The Actors Diet) on July 18, 2009 at 11:37 pm
is that salad from whole foods? i recognize the container b/c i had some of that tonight…
Posted by Angharad on July 18, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I LOVE that you brought your juicer with you. Way to be hardcore lady! Also, love that you worked the “no i’m not eating a burger” thing. I strongly believe we have to own our food choices but I also feel it is super awks sometimes to explain stuff….basically yay you.
Posted by Cecilia on July 19, 2009 at 12:58 am
I have complete faith in you that you will find what works for YOU!! Enjoy your vacay gorgeous!!
RELAXXXX
Posted by Lara (Thinspired) on July 19, 2009 at 1:52 am
Love the improvised juicer, Erin! You are fabulous. Also, this cracks me up: “Even though I LOVE attention sometimes, I get uncomfortable when I attract attention because of what I’m eating.” I am the exact same way! Especially with my extended family. They’re like the freaking papparazzi with what I’m doing, what I’m eating, etc. Haha. Cute pics!!
Posted by Ruby on July 19, 2009 at 2:19 am
^ I also have that family-attention-thing – my inlaws espesh. It’s funny how offended people can get when you tell them you don’t eat meat or whatev. Wow raw vegan eh? You’re a brave woman, *lol*. Just make sure you stay true to what YOU want & feel, don’t make it a restrictive prison-like thingy. Well, I mean, I am not going to stop you, but I know it would suck, so I would advise against it, haha. Sorry for this random response, I will stop typing now. Or… now.
Posted by Erica on July 19, 2009 at 5:17 am
awwwwwwwwwwwww- looks like you’re having so much fun at home
Even though its a little bit of a pain when doing things like traveling to eat the way you want, you have done an amazing job of making it work 
I’m so glad that you are who you are and don’t make any excuses! I think we all need a little more Erin in us 
Posted by Heather (be well & take care) on July 19, 2009 at 5:48 am
That is total dedication packing the juicer with you! Woohoo. Some of my extended family doesn’t know I’m vegan and even though they know I don’t eat meat, they still get weirded out when I don’t want a loaded baked potato or something. The raw thing is going to be a bit of a challenge, especially if I have to try and explain it to them. But I’m glad your family didn’t attack you about it – so awesome!
Posted by Shelby on July 19, 2009 at 6:29 am
I love you just the way you are and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Keep rocking the salads and green juice girl! <3
Posted by Krista on July 19, 2009 at 6:31 am
Way to rock the salad and sushi! My Mom contantly gives me fluff if I don’t eat something that she’s made (‘rents are hardcore Italian) and I’ve taken to politely telling her that at 35 I can surely figure out what I want/don’t want to eat!
Love the juicer adaptaions!
Posted by Michal Mymo on July 19, 2009 at 6:37 am
Your green juice looks so yummy! And it looks like we have the same juicer I love mine. Your salad looks delish too
Michal
Posted by ttfn300 on July 19, 2009 at 6:44 am
keepin it rull, that’s why we luv u hun
glad you didn’t have to do any splainin! can you bring that juicer to my house? pretty puh-leaz? enjoy the weekend sexy 
Posted by Tina on July 19, 2009 at 6:57 am
I hate being in situations where there’s a lot of people and I am eating something different which triggers people to ask questions about why I’m not eating what they’re eating etc. The reason it’s become somewhat of a fear of mine to be in situations like that is because when I first went vegetarian/vegan my co-workers at the time gave me a really hard time about what I was eating. They were downright obnoxious about it, they’d comment about my food (in a very nasty way) every.single.day and eventually I just felt like I couldn’t eat lunch in the lunchroom anymore so I’d start skipping eating lunch. Thankfully, I got to see the opposite side of that behaviour during my surf trip. I was the only vegetarian so they’d bought some special soy burgers and stuff for me, at first I was nervous about it and thought everyone was going to start commenting but instead people said they thought my burgers looked good. One girl even chose to have one of them instead of meat one of the days and another girl asked me why I’d chosen to be a vegetarian and said she’d been a vegetarian for six years before choosing to start eating meat again. I didn’t feel awkward like I usually do eating vegetarian, everyone had respect for me.
Posted by Red Head, Yellow Dog on July 19, 2009 at 7:02 am
I def know the feeling of going someplace with your own food and just waiting for someone to make a comment. Even at work when I bust out my lunch I know there will be comments! ah well. I just take it as me showing a healthier alternative!
and i definitely forget a lot of times that vacation isn’t just about food..i’m just always so excited to try to the local fare and eat something new and delish
Posted by Andrea (Off Her Cork) on July 19, 2009 at 8:12 am
You rock my socks off! How much do I love that you brought your juicer with you? And how much do I love that your parents offered to buy one so you wouldn’t have to lug it with you? Awesome! Have fun on your trip back home sister!
Posted by gina (fitnessista) on July 19, 2009 at 8:36 am
isn’t portland hippie central though?? megan said there are a TON of awesome places to eat at (she’s from there)
my family is the same way– i’ve changed my eating so many times, they don’t even ask anymore
awesome that you packed up the juicer! i’m already freaking about about not having mine with me when i go to culinary school. i’m hoping i can just go into the cafe and get some there :/
hope you’re having a blasty! <3
Posted by Jenny on July 19, 2009 at 8:46 am
m’mm eating my own food in front of family members can definitely cause some anxiety but then with a little self reflection and some necessary “a-ha” moments — i realize, who the heck cares?! do you, mama!
Posted by Justine on July 19, 2009 at 9:18 am
Looks like you are having a great time
. I totally understand about eating that way in front of your fam. You are lucky though because my family turns it into a whole big issue sometimes even making fun of me 
. I think they are starting to get over it now though. Thank God!!
~Justine
Posted by april on July 19, 2009 at 10:46 am
I love that you brought your juicer with you! You should see how many snacks and other things I bring when I go out of town.. glad to know I’m not the only one!
Did you do yoga on your own or take a class? I need to get back in the yoga swing!
Posted by Kristie on July 19, 2009 at 10:48 am
First off, I love that you posted a potty pic. You’re officially my hero.
Second off, I love that you brought your own food to a family BBQ. And that you didn’t get harassed about it! I’d probably feel too weird to do that. But sushi wins over burgers ANY day.
You, serious? Never! I’m sure you’ll be just fine with the new eating changes in Portland. You definitely know how to rock the raw vegan thing all the way.
Posted by Amy on July 19, 2009 at 12:18 pm
a) expensive, b) inconvenient, c) lame, or d) ridic.
those adjectives usually define every aspect of my life, let alone food for traveling. im glad we’re in the same boat.
this post seriously PUT ME AT EASE. You know why. Just cause your YOU and wow, do YOUR thing, all-day-urr-day…
In all seriousness, thank you erin <3 <3
Posted by Kelly Olexa on July 19, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I totally hear you on the family/friends and that awkward feeling when they don’t dig what we are doing and sometimes they try to convince you NOT to go your own way. I loathe that. SO annoying. Like these moron women that say, “Oh yea, after 30 it’s all downhill….just give up fighting it and enjoy life!” Um. Yea. NOT.
Now YOU, on the other hand, you rock my face off.
Freakazoids.
Keep it up sasssafrass.
Posted by Erin on July 19, 2009 at 1:04 pm
E-squared, ya know I love ya like a fat kid loves cake, but I gotta tell you….
Since the word means “you all,” it’s supposed to be spelled “y’all”……not “ya’ll”! I’ve been holding out on telling you haha, just because I think it’s endearing!
Even though I’ve decided not to continue with my blog, I’ll still keep up with yours!
-Er
Posted by Marianne on July 19, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I can’t say I’ve ever packed any small kitchen appliances on vacation with me before, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I may have packed my entire desk top computer to go home for Christmas a few times though – is that weird? LOL.
And good on you for going ahead and taking foods you know you will enjoy to your BBQ. I think we are often more self concious and think people are looking at us more than they actually are. Other than a few “oh, you aren’t having (insert food here)?” questions, people move on pretty quickly from that, unless they are truly interested in what you actually are eating and why. Plus you brought sushi – my fave!
Posted by Sarah on July 19, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I can’t believe you brought your juicer! Way to go! (I am debating whether or not to pack a blender to bring when I move to Russia.)
Even if you don’t get old favorites at the restaurants, imagine all the new things you will get to try.
Posted by Diana (Soap & Chocolate) on July 19, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Great job sticking to your guns! I’m sure it was a mayjuh challenge – I know that situation would have made me overthink big time. But I can appreciate your determination in packing up the juicer – I just bought one and used it for the first time today! Very exciting, except for the fact that using a whole lemon in one juice may or may not have blown my brains out.
Posted by Gena (Choosing Raw) on July 19, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Haha, I never travel with my juicer! Its just way too much of a production for me. But I’m so glad it afforded you a lovely juice!
Posted by Brandi on July 19, 2009 at 5:41 pm
you’re so creative!
I’m glad you’re having a good trip so far!
Posted by MarathonVal on July 19, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Erin, this was such a well-timed post for me to be reading. I just got back from a day spent with my husband’s big fat Greek family – the entire, extended family clan – and let me tell you, I feel like the entire day revolved around me and my “weird” food choices.
I would love to be able to put a positive spin on things and say that it was fine, and that I was able to put on a smiley face and brush it off, but at one point I just said “I could do without the commentary on my personal choices” which made me feel like a bitch, but seriously, it’s just ridiculous. I’m so done with people thinking I am a freakazoid and an inconvenience to them because I took an extra plate of salad instead of the chicken dish swimming in butter. Yuck.
I wish there was an easier way to explain my lifestyle to people but I just feel like even when said nicely some people just want to turn it into an argument! ANYHOO props to you girl for being able to stand your ground while keeping the peace!
Posted by Jen on July 19, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Im so happy you are having a great trip!
I truly appreciate and LOVE your crazy open humbling personality you share with us!!
Posted by buffmuffy on July 19, 2009 at 7:08 pm
OMG I WANT that juicer. best option def. if your parents buy you a new one ill take your old one ! LOL
-muffy
Posted by Rebeca on July 19, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Oh my… you are spoiled… you should’ve let them buy you one
Just kidding! (I’m spoiled to and 100% okay with it, just ask my little brother).
I’m glad your familia was cool with your eats… I wouldn’t worry so much about moving… I bet that once you do, you’ll find that those places don’t interest you as much because you’ll be so excited to find the places that fit with your goals- and it’ll be like living in a brand new place, a tourist in your own city, ya know?
Posted by eatlivelovedream on July 19, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Have an absolute BLASTY!!!!! Visiting family is the best!!!
I hear ya on not wanting to announce your veganism from the roof tops to extended family. I love being vegan but sometimes you just don’t feel like getting the whole wow freak show/ what do you eat thing going on!:)
Posted by broccolihut on July 19, 2009 at 9:13 pm
You’re so awesome for bringing (at least part of) your juicer. I am totally using you as justification when I bring my blender on my next vacay.
Posted by Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) on July 20, 2009 at 12:08 am
Was the beach not FREEEEZING?! OMG, I was such a whiny baby brat the whole time. I think my family thought I was cranky from a high-raw diet, but nope, I’m just a huge wuss.
It takes a good man to hold your pulp bag.
Posted by ksgoodeats on July 20, 2009 at 6:02 am
I love you and your quirkiness! It makes me feel a little bit normal, as in I know that I’m not the only looney out there
Glad you ate whatchu wanted! I get weird comments from my family from time to time – I’ve been veggie 1.5 years and some of the extended fam still doesn’t know.
Posted by Graze With Me on July 20, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I, too, loved the pot shot but never commented on that post. You may possibly be the only blogger out there who could pull if off though.
Bringing the juicer is a great idea, I always bring a little (or big) reminder of my current obsessions home with me. The whole not eating a burger deal sucks though, my in-laws are from Nebraska so I’m sure you can imagine the looks on their faces when I choose to abstain from meat for ONE meal. It’s insane. They think I’m just trying to save money or something….
My hubby makes fun of me for what I eat (and don’t eat) so even if no-one notices that I’m eating differently – he points it out to everyone. ASS.
Posted by glidingcalm on July 20, 2009 at 7:29 pm
haha love traveling with large kitchen appliances.
wordddddd WHOLE FOODS YO. and robbie being a good hubby helper for juicing.
AND YOUR GORGEOUSOSITY AND FAM.
you my angel.
one.
Posted by elise on July 22, 2009 at 4:52 pm
i completely know what you mean…sometimes i get a little nervous when i am with more extended family bc i just dont have the energy to give background on my eating choices (as much as i want to)…maybe i should just hand out cards with my blog title on it and say read if you really care…haha. for the most part though nobody really cares, i guess, its probably mostly in my head…
Posted by coco on July 22, 2009 at 5:19 pm
hey sweetie! One quick question, which model of the Breville juicer do you have? does it work well? I’m considering on buying one so I need your advice