Rookie mistake.

Outside of the stray smudge of vanilla icing licked from my finger, out of muscle memory and not intentional defiance of my oath, I have remained a faithful vegan for 19 days. Which is true, only, if you'll forgive me the meatball and a half I ate on Wednesday. With more than a glass of wine in me, I proved no match for the meatballs, made in abundance in meatier days, of my own making. Mostly, I blame John for trusting I could keep myself from his meal. Rookie mistake.

The following morning I re-committed to the month long eating disorder. On Friday, I made vegan meatballs to reconcile my previous deficiency. John Kelly, an occasional pseudo vegan out of default, humored my efforts, comparing the vegan meatballs to frozen yogurt rather than ice cream, "gets the job done, but falls short of perfection."

When this month is through, I may take on other challenges. Just think of the possibilities! At dinner parties, you'll overhear me say, "Oh yes, I was one for a month..."

Cheese & Wine Reception

Cheese & Wine reception at the Museum. I selected and prepared and  served three different kinds of cheese, two Tillamook + one bree. Enough said.

I miss my friends: fish tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches

Something has changed.

Previously, on the Beth Show, I had been enjoying my new found strict diet of fruits and vegetables. I felt rejuvenated and excited. It was fun to find that I had lost a pound per day of veganism (mostly water weight, but good times no less). I marveled at the ease in which I was able to whip up meals I could share with friends and I savored the new dishes I was trying at some of my favorite restaurants.

Today, not so. I am irritable, hungry and I am lonely for my friends: fish tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches. Earlier today, I passed on tomato soup due to the splash of creme the chef so thoughtfully added. I don't recall tomato soup ever turning her back on me! Not when I was down and out and sought solace in her red velvety richness nor when I was too poor to afford anything else. Now that I think of it, tomato soup never so much as said peep when I went through the whole adding ramen noodles to my soup phase.

I'm beginning to think, there are too many good foods made by good people for me to stay indefinitely buckled in the culinary back seat whimpering and whining like brat faced child wondering, out loud, repeatedly, if we're there yet and is there dairy in that? (Pinch your nose when you say that for effect).

The lunch lady at the Film Fest Club House even rolled her eyes at me today. I asked if there was dairy in the hummus. I don't blame her really, the food was free and it still wasn't good enough for me.

I'm remembering now, last week, John spent five minutes in the meat section of the grocery store perusing grass fed and local beef without me. He missed me. I could tell.

Nonetheless, I shall persevere. Seven days down, 23 days to go.

Six products I'd like to market

1. My Butter from another Udder, "buttery" spread.
2. Unicorn burgers, you can't imagine a better tasting burger.
3. Whey-less. Why Not?
4. I Can't Believe It's Not Alive!
5. Smug Free! No haughty aftertaste.
6. Cheeses Christ: accept soy-cheeses into your life.

Veganaloties.

Having joined exclusive Vegan ranks six days ago, I've been made aware of at least six vegan sects:

1. Punk vegans chefs.
2. Smug vegan moms.
3. Nerdy vegans who don't drive cars but chain smoke Camels.
4. Vegans who don't believe in Cheesus, (my savior).
5. Cranky vegans who talk only to bunnies and live on pop tarts and potato chips.
6. Blogging Vegans taking the One Month Challenge.

The Vegan Challenge: Walking around in the dark.

Eating a vegan diet, at least at first, is like hanging out at home when the power goes out. You think, oh, I'll just watch a movie. D'oh!
Or, I'll just microwave some popcorn to pass the time. Double d'oh! I find myself thinking, this would be good with yogurt. Or, I'll just have the macaroni and cheese.

But, just as I eventually light the candles and pull out the old board game, only to remember I kick ass at Scrabble; I'm finding that vegetables taste great without butter and remembering I passed on pork for years.

So, on day three of taking the one month vegan challenge, I say: Heck yes and please pass the cream. D'oh! I mean almond milk.