Goodbye, Guilty Conscience

I forgot to mention earlier that Mikey and I have become 100% vegetarian recently. We are no longer having meat on special occasions or when with the in-laws to avoid uncomfortable conversations. I was tired of feeling guilty every time I looked at a menu. I was tired of having to talk myself into doing the right thing every time I ate something. So about a week ago, I decided that I am no longer eating fish, chicken, pork, beef or any other animal. Although I was sad to not partake of the beautiful roast that my sis-in-law made for Christmas Eve dinner, I truly enjoyed the rest of the meal (green bean casserole, potatoes, spinach salad, and yummy bread) because I wasn't having to make the decision. The decision was already made. I just had to stick to it, and that is MUCH easier.

We managed to get through our entire vacation without any major hassles. We didn't starve to death and I don't think we messed up anyone else's meals. It was a little frustrating that it couldn't just be a "normal" thing. It had to be a big deal for every meal - someone always made some comment about it. I wish it could have just been a non-issue, but I guess I understand the interest. And I know that they were only talking about it because they wanted to respect our wishes. I just wish I didn't have to convinve them that they don't have to worry about it.

We have two amazing new cookbooks that are strictly vegetarian. The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook by Diana Shaw and Passionate Vegetarian by Crescent Dragonwagon (yep, I think that's her real name). The first covers a lot of the whys and hows of vegetarian eating. Both are HUGE books and cover just about every area of cooking you can think of. I can't wait to delve in! And I am lucky enough to have a solid week of vacation left with which to do so.