Happy Labor Day!

No, I haven't been cooking this week, eating all my leftovers, and I'm probably not going to be cooking this weekend because I'm going to the Taking Action for Animals Conference, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States. My boyfriend got us tickets as a birthday gift--woot! The coolest thing is Nellie McKay will be performing Sunday night and Patrick McDonnell, who draws the "Mutts" comic strip will also be present. My boyfriend wants to get stuff autographed by McDonnell. Rory Freeman, who co-authored Skinny Bitch, a pro-vegan book disguised as a diet book. The language is occasionally salty, but they get the message across. If any of you all are going, I'll be the short, plump gal with the large black Matt & Nat purse.

I also am very happy because I got a new job. I will be working at a nonprofit in Arlington, Virginia, that engages in social entrepreneurship. I'll be part of the transcription department, typing letters and other documentation. When I first heard about the company two months ago, I knew it was an organization I'd love to work for. My new schedule will be Sunday through Thursday, which does have its advantages. I start on September 11th, and -- whoa! my primaries are the next day! I'll just have to vote after work.

That week, I'm also going to Albany and Boston. My boyfriend's mom lives in Albany, and we're going to drive to Boston for a festival and to go on a whale watch. I believe that it is perfectly acceptable, as it is a way of observing these magnificent creatures in their habitat. I absolutely refuse to go to marine parks where animals are confined in too-small spaces and forced to do idiotic tricks to amuse the patrons. I loathe circuses where animals are captured showing the lives of animals on film, provided the camera operators do not disturb the animals they are filming. It provides far more information than an animal in a cage at a zoo can.

To recap: whale watch, yes; documentary, yes; marine park, no; animal circus, no; zoos, no.