I've lost all excuses for not writing, so I figured it was about that time to start it again, or at least, more frequently.
For those who know me in the real world, some may be aware that a big change is coming ahead, as in the next week or so. If this catches you by surprise, then you'll have to stay tuned or watch Facebook. Some good things are headed my way, and they'll bring some peace to other aspects of my life, which is always a good thing.
So, instead of talking about any of the past topics that I've said I was going to cover, I've decided to address the elephant in the room (or at least the suspected elephant in the room). I've been vegetarianish for the past 5 years (the occasional fish) but as of a little over a month ago, I've realized that I couldn't maintain this excusatarian - I cannot talk credit for this term - lifestyle and have gone totally vegan.
I can tell you what set this in motion. On a date, a little over a month ago, I was meeting this guy at a Borders Books, and while waiting, I decided to look at the Fitness section and stumbled across a book, whose title just caught my eye: Skinny Bastard. I picked up the book and started reading, and was so enthralled by what I read that I ended up buying the book while on the date with this guy. I read the whole thing within about 2 days, and immediately scrambled for more material. The book opened my eyes, not only to how bad animal products are for human consumption, but the treatment of domesticated animals by man.
I should have prefaced this blog with, I became excusatarian because I did not like the taste of beef or pork and decided that I did not need to eat them, if I did not like them. I was aware these products weren't the best for you, but didn't make the connection to animal rights yet.
Back to the present day, within 4 days of reading the first few sentences in that book, I went full fledged vegan. I've since then poured myself into reading and watching as much as I can about a variety of these topics: animal rights, animal husbandry, history of our agrarian society, veganism, health concerns due to a meat centered diet, the rise of our fast food society, and a ton more. Any book or documentary I can find, I try to gobble up - I'll list a few movies at the end of the blog that are just fascinating, but not pushy. I've started to marathon through a vegan podcast that has about 3 years worth of podcasts called Food for Thought that is so well done and informative, along with emotional at times.
It's been a bit of an adjustment, but really smooth overall. I love eating well, and healthy and don't find that I miss any of the foods I used to eat at all (butter included!) I've found substitutions that work for any situation and am having so much fun trying out new vegetables every week! Bok Choy here I come!
The guy that I went on the date with is already history, but this lifestyle change still remains; however, I do feel myself becoming one of "those people." And by "those people," I mean the ones that turn their noses up at meat. I don't throw paint on fur, and I'm not going to leave the table if my dinner guest orders a hamburger; but I can't promise not to give a dirty look at the plate. I won't tell you where it comes from while your masticate your ground leg or shoulder; unless you ask, then it's fair game!
I did this for me, not for you. I want to live my life in the most nonviolent way possible. Eating meat is violent and not in line with my values. This progress is good for me: respect that.
On a lighter note, my step-brother asked me how my romantic life was going and his is fairing as bad as mine. He said something about more fish in the sea. This has coined the new tagline for my love life: "A Catch and Release program."
Movies:
Food, Inc - nominated for an Academy Award this year and you can watch it instantly on Netflix
Super Size Me
Fast Food Nation
Books:
Diet for a Small Planet
Skinny Bastard
Podcasts:
Food for Thought - www.compassionatecooks.com
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