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.