Back from the Land of the Blog Abandonment

Hey kids!  I'm back, as you can very well see for yourself.  I apologize for the inconsistency of my posts.  Frankly, I don't have much excuse - I've been unemployed for the past 5 months and therefore have had more time than ever to dedicate to this blog, but have I?  Yeah, yeah, I know! 

As for what's new in my life, well...I am once again attempting vegetariansim.  Or is it demi-vegetarianism?  There are so many fracken versions and definitions, it's difficult to keep up.  Bascially, I am trying to cut out meat that comes from anything that walks on land.  I still eat fish and dairy products because dammit I love cheese and eggs too much to give em up.  Though if I think hard enough about it, the idea of eating an unfertilized chicken egg, squeezed from the chickens nether regions might gross me out enough to keep me from eating it.......for like, a minute.  LOL   I am trying to approach this realistically.  I'm not saying I'll never eat meat again, though at this point in time my goal is to not ever have to.  I also will NOT be one of those "veg-heads" who looks cross-eyed at others for horkin' down a big juicy steak or bbq'd chicken legs.  Why would I? I know they're tasty.  But for my own reasons, I'm choosing to not eat it anymore.   Y'all go on and enjoy it.  Thankfully, I positively LOVE fruits and veggies and have a rather adventurous palate, so I'm not at all limited in my choice of dishes.  The other day I created an incredibly delicious dish that was ridiculously easy to make.  Tofu, cubed and browned in olive oil then I added chick peas and a jar of curry simmer sauce from Trader Joe's.  I let it simmer for a while and voila - holy delish!!!   Today I made vegetarian chili using a ton of veggies, 3 kinds of beans and soy crumbles from Morningstar.  It doesn't taste exactly like traditional chili but it IS delicious in and of itself.  The trick is not expecting it to taste exactly like traditional chili.  I am also going to try tempeh for the first time.  I have it marinating overnight in bbq sauce for dinner tomorrow.  Not sure how I'll cook it - maybe grill it or bake it.  I am making bbq chicken for the boys, corn on the cob and fried green tomatoes. Mmm, can't wait! I have had bbq seitan before at a UU potluck and it was really tasty.  At some point this week I will attempt to make my own seitan because I have been unable to find it pre-made around here except for the canned stuff at the Asian grocer and frankly....the thought of eating that makes me gag a little.  If you saw the picture on the can, you'd understand.  It looks like sliced brain.  Ew.  For all I know it is, despite the label reading "vegetarian chicken"!!!  Rather make it m'self, thank you very much.  Even if it comes out looking like brain as well, at least I KNOW what went into it!!! 

Aside from that I have been working out fairly regularly and have more time to myself to focus on things like sewing and maybe even picking up my guitar finally!  Aiden is in summer camp three days a week and will be attending preschool in the fall (full time, for FREE!!  YIPPEEE!!!).  I miss him when he's not here but it's been good for both of us.  I can focus on getting healthy without any distraction (and I DO get distracted too easily - look!  Something shiny!!!  lol ).  He gets much needed socializing and interaction with other kids, too.   It's a win/win.

Well, the hubs is home from his run so we're going to enjoy that delicious dinner I prepared.    I'll be back!!!!