vegan say wha?

I've been doing some reading, serious web surfing and even some pondering over the way my own body feels after I have consumed something of the food kind and I think I'm ready to make a huge transformation. I mean HUGE! but I am going to do this g.r.a.d.u.a.l.l.y.
Take this all in baby steps; learn how to do it and do it right.

{Oh... and I'm doing this to save the animals and stuff...}

I'm going to switch to a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I'm even going to subject Boy Child to it but I'm not going to tell him because I know if I don't, he'll never notice!

I first started by reading the book Skinny Bitch. If you have not read this, it is a must. Seriously. Rory and Kim are real, raw and tell you just how it is. While I was reading they recommended going to GoVeg.com to get a vegetarian starter kit. Well... I couldn't resist! While I was there I started looking around, digging deeper and deeper into that site and the many other recommended sites. Hook, line and friggin' sinker!! (just what they want you to do!)

Hurry up Mr. Crazy Mailman... bring me my damn kit already!

Skinny Bitch isn't just about the vegan lifestyle but also how to remove some of the other "shit" in your life. As I was reading I was shocked by some of the information yet at the same time I really didn't doubt what I was reading was true. We live in a world of shit. We basically just consume... yep-- shit!

I'm gradually going to make changes according to what I'm comfortable with, in hopes that my end result will be adopting a vegan lifestyle from what I have learned by reading Skinny Bitch and all the other research I'm exerting all kinds of my energy into.


Phew... what a journey I'm about to embark! I think I can do it, I have already taken a few of those steps in my life, I just need to keep going.

Here are a few things I'm doing, and these aren't just geared towards the whole vegan thing either. Read Skinny Bitch and you'll figure it out for yourself.

*No soda (this isn't a problem anyways; it has been almost 7 years since I've touched the stuff)
*No more coffee (it has been almost a week and I have a serious headache but I'm toughing it out)
*I used to use Splenda in my coffee... I'm kissing that shit good bye! (Arsenic? Umm Hello? Seriously?)
*No more aspartame or fake sweetener products (Snapple I'm going to miss you like no other!!)

This is what I'm about to do:
*I'm ditching meat(obviously) Ever since my gastric bypass I have had a horrible relationship with red meat so I don't see this being too much of a problem. ~crossing fingers~
*Slowly remove chicken from my diet. Chicken has been one of the main "meats" my body has been able to digest since gastric.
*Removing fish/seafood from my diet on the other hand is going to be incredibly hard!! I live on the coast and lobster is so accessible. Salmon, tuna haddock, scallops, shrimp, clams... etc-- I love it all! I really hope there are some nice alternatives out there or I become so over powered by new taste buds I forget all about my love for seafood. (I also have to remember why I'm doing this)
* Time to say good bye to eggs. I think this might be tough. I know there are substitutes out there but even after all the reading I have done on alternatives, tips and tricks I am already overwhelmed.
* Milk! Ohh boy! Let the search begin for a soy milk both me and Boy Child will like. Boy Child started drinking Silk before he turned 1 and continued until almost 2 but we recently tried it again and do not care much for it.
*The thought of giving up my daily yogurt makes me want to curl up into the fetal position and cry! I hope the heck there is a yummilicious alternative out there for me!
*Ohhh cheeeeese... ohhh wonderful cheese!! I'm going to miss you sooooo much but you are the fat on my ass, the fat on my thighs and the puss in my mouth because of what those poor cows have been through to give me that wonderful cheese! (Nasty thought... yes, but also the truth.) (I did make a cheese less veggie pizza tonight that was fairly yummy!)


I know there is so much more to this and I'm alright with that. I'm all about doing this one step at a time because I want to learn and adapt. I have some books coming to me from the University Library that I cannot wait to get my hot lil hands on! I'm hoping to even possibly stumble across some blogs that will open my eyes even further and I really cannot wait!!

This isn't one of those "New Year's Resolutions", this is a lifestyle change. This is a change for the better, not just for me or you, but for all of us. My ultimate goal is to get to the vegan finish line... but if I only make it to the vegetarian finish line then I am just that one step closer.

If anybody has any hints, tricks, helpful thoughts, ideas, recipes, budget tips... anything!!! I will gladly accept them.
Remember... keep things happy!
I don't need any mean and/or negative (PETA) people sending me things... I receive your emails and newsletters people! I get it!

Leave a comment of brilliance or email me at near the tracks at g mail dot com

up in lights!

Yesterday was just insane!

Rush...rush...rush... and rush some more.

I needed to make chocolate chip cookies and no bake cookies. I tried making fudge but the damn weather has been just crap and fudge is funny... if the weather isn't just right... the fudge won't be either.
Jex spent the morning shoveling the snow off his roof because Mother Nature decided to dump over 13 INCHES!!! of snow on us between Sunday and Monday.

We needed to sneak (minus kids) to the grocery store to grab the proper ingredients and a few last minute gifts at another store. This time of year is just absolutely caaaaaraaaaaazzzzyyyyy!!!!

I finish the cookies and get them packaged. Jex starts and finishes his lasagna.
Check. Check.

Time to drag the kids to to the fire department's annual Christmas party.
Some current and retired members along with their families were in attendance. We all brought some yummilicious grub and ate like it was no ones business. Santa even made a guest appearance and spoiled the children with presents and candy canes.

After all that was said and done the Deputy Chief put on a "Year in Review" movie/slide show. Now there were many, I mean MANY pictures in this presentation but every single one of them was worth viewing. I love me some good pictures.

As the movie/slide show continues all of a sudden I had one of those "Oh my gawd!" moments.

A few weeks ago our town had a Christmas parade and the fire department was just an absolutely amazing part of it. The feeling around the firehouse was just mesmerizing; words cannot even begin to describe or explain it.

Well during this parade I was obviously snapping pictures because, well that's what I do. Jex uploaded the pictures to the fire department's picture server but I had no idea there would be anything above and beyond that.

Last night during the "Year in Review" was my "Oh my gawd!" moment.

All of a sudden some of my pictures... MY pictures started passing by. I was whispering in Boy Child's ears... "I took that one... and that one..." but in all reality I was a little shocked, maybe a little speechless and even a bit flattered.

Credits roll... and there it is.... Photographers: Jenn(ifer)
Holy Shit! My name up in lights! I turned around to look at Jex and he just winked at me. It was only a small moment, but it was a moment, my moment.

My pictures are nowhere near what I would love them to be. I would love love love to learn more! I have a simple camera... I want a big tricked out camera so I can capture those pictures that I have running through my mind. I want Photoshop so I can do those tricks and tweaks.

Someday dammit!

So enough mumble jumble... here are a few of those pics.

have to vs want to

So it's hell week...aka finals week. This has really been one of the worst semesters. I have slacked off; I mean really slacked off. I dropped a course because, well because I became lazy and didn't really want to do the work. Purely pathetic actually. I could go on and on about what I should have done but didn't or what I still need to do but I'm not going to stress out anymore than I already have/am. If I don't get these credits... ohh well. GPA goes down a bit, ok a lot and I'm in school another semester. C'est la vie!
At least I didn't waste four years of my father's money back when I was 18 and drinking away my college education. This time... it's my money. *puke*

Oh and Boy Child's report card this trimester makes up for my crap ass work. We worked damn hard together and it showed! Go Boy Child!! Mommy is some freakin' proud of you!!


So now here is the thing...

I have a whole month off from school. I know... totally friggin' rocks my funky socks too! Although I have an assload of things to do during this month... like finish cleaning, maybe pack, ditch the Christmas tree, etc! My brain will not be in its highest functioning form. During the school semesters I only have time to read textbooks, if I'm lucky. I have no idea what reading for pleasure is, unless you count Cosmo, Glamour, or something along those lines.

Hey... a girl has to educated herself there too! (even if it is crap!)

So to keep myself from feeling like I'm going brain dead I'm looking for book(s) to read. I have always had the hardest time picking something out. I need something to grab my interest and hold it. I want a book that will never want to be put down once it is in my hot hands even if I want it to!

Last semester I was given a list that had 100 books you should read before you kick the bucket by this awesome Professor of mine; which she also added to. Now while I have put a decent dent to that list, a few just do not hold my interest.

So what are you reading? What holds your interest? What would you/do you recommend?
Help this chica from going brain dead over Christmas break!!

little moments

Boy Child and I went on a day trip this summer in a neighboring town and because we're having a really crappy "ice storm" right now, which means school is cancelled, I figured I'd cheer myself up and post these pictures. It was a cold day for August because we had to wear sweatshirts and fleece jackets but then it turned into a beautiful warm sunny day. I love days like that!!


We packed a yummy lunch which consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, some crackers and juice. Boy Child loves his grape jelly or blueberry preserves and me, well nothing other than strawberry preserves baby!!

Sometimes black and white just seems better to me but I love how you can actually see the purple against his porcelain skin.

mr. clean ain't got nothin' on me!

I hate cleaning.
Wait... let me repeat that in case you didn't catch it the first time.

I. hate. cleaning.

I'll do it but nobody said I had to like it. I wait until it can't be held off any longer then I bitch about how awful it is. I hate this house, I do not have enough space in my kitchen for the things I want (gadgets!) let alone the things I already own; or any other room for that matter. My computer desk is hidden under piles of papers, books, bills that probably need to be paid sometime soon and possibly even Boy Child's snack from last week. In this house, the possibilities are endless!

So because I really don't have enough to do... Christmas shop, study for finals, catch up on my online courses, take said finals AND pass, cross every possible thing that can be crossed that I will pass, ohhh and live life! Ya know like get up in the morning, shower, brush my teeth, and make sure Boy Child does the same! Maybe even eat!

My genious ass has decided to clean! Yep! I can't believe it either! Maybe I'm being incredibly hopeful that I'll have a chance to move and if I do this cleaning bullshit now I won't have to do as much later. I've lived here for 6 years and did I mention that I hate cleaning, so there is a decent amount. I'm not talking washing the dishes and mopping the floor. I'm wiping down cupboards and walls here people! I didn't even do this when I was pregnant with Boy Child and was supposed to experience that whole "nesting" thing. Yea.. what the fuck ever. I think the mailman is 8 years late delivering that memo. (Those bastards steal mail ya know? Ha!)

Now during all this I'm learning very valuble lessons. Seriously. Pay attention; let my stupidity teach you.

• Do not wait 6 years to clean your oven; it's gross.
• When that aerosol can says fume free; they LIE!! You're sticking your head in that oven spraying toxic chemicals to clean who knows what from the past 6 years... fume free my ass!
• That dish soap that promises to give you better/softer skin after 5 uses or whatever it is they say, they also LIE! If I wanted better/softer skin I wouldn't wash dishes. Your soap may be "great" for my hands but it sucks at washing my dishes! I want clean dishes, not softer dishes. Think about it.
• There is nothing "fantastic" about cleaning. Spray Spray.. sniff sniff!! Yep I'm losing brain cells just thinking about it.
• Floral scented cleaning stuff still stinks! Lavender, roses or pine doesn't make it more enjoyable or encourage me to clean. Lavender makes me sleepy, roses stink and pine makes me want to go outside and play!
• A pretty colored mop doesn't make the job any better... cleaning is still *gag*cleaning*gag*
• Kitchens should not be yellow and white. You either like this (I actually do but I won't admit it) or you don't but it is horrible to clean! Don't belive me? Bring a bucket, cleaner of choice, and elbow grease. I'm looking for a few good (wo)men!
• magic erasers fuckin' rock!!

These are just my thoughts with the kitchen and I've just begun. In another week or so I'm off from school for a whole month! Look out because I'm going to clean, throw away and bombard freecycle like it's your birthday!

like a dog chasing its tail

I cannot make a decision for the life of me. I have the people around me make them.

example: My college advisor picked all my courses. I'm so glad she is no longer employed for the University; she sucked and maybe that is why it has taken me a million years! (I'm hoping this new one has her shit together)
When it comes to going out for dinner I always answer... "I don't know" or "I don't care" even a possible "Just pick somewhere and I'm sure I'll find something"
My hair? HaHa! I let my beautiful hair chic do whatever she wants once I sit in her chair. Sometimes I'll have an idea but most of the time she has free reign. There is an advantage to this: change; bring it on baby!!
Grocery shopping: lil man helps pick out food choices.

Now here's my issue and it's big!! Well... to me.

I rent this cute little tiny house. And I mean tiny. Well because lets face it; our economy is going to shit my rent has gone up a whoppin' $130 smackers. That's a big chunk for this single college chic mom of a boy who is growing faster than a speeding bullet!

And we've been slapped in the face with the harsh reality of yep... a recession.
Oh the joys.

So here I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of moving into... wait for it... an apartment! *gasp*

I'm having a real hard time with this. I've lived in this house for going on 6 years. Lil man and I moved in here when he was 18 months old to start over; alone but together. Just us as a team. We had just enough to get by. A bed, a crib, clothes, dishes and minimal food. It was rough but dammit we made it.
Now this house is so full we are running out of room. He's bigger, his toys are bigger, even his clothes don't fit in his closet so I can close the door... blah blah... it's irritating. I scream when I can't fit things into cupboards or how about the day when I had to move his dresser into my bedroom because he needed a desk to do his homework and there wasn't enough space in there; I cried! Yep! I don't even have the space in my room for my own clothes which I own-- like 3 pairs of jeans and a small amount of shirts. Boy child comes first. Always. Its maddening.

Now I have a potential of moving into an apartment but it's just that.. an apartment. You know there is always a stigma attached to the word "apartment". Oh how I hate closed minded shallow people.

So here is my list...

House vs. Apartment

no up/downstairs vs. up/downstairs
basement vs. no basement
garage vs. no garage
washer/dryer vs. washer/dryer on site, not in apartment
shower only vs. shower/tub (lil man has never lived in a home with a tub- ever)
big yard vs. shared yard with kids
no neighborhood kids vs. neighborhood kids
in town vs. in town
6 kitchen cupboards vs. way more than 6
world could blow up and I wouldn't hear it vs. I'd have neighbors up my ass
I don't have to clean snow off my car in the mornings vs. I would have to
being lazy vs. I need the exercise
no space vs. more spacious
have cats vs. no cats
lil man's cat is his best friend vs. childhood depression if he lost his best friend
have a cat that pukes CONSTANTLY; she's sick vs. never have to clean cat vomit again
cat hair vs. no more cat hair
litter box vs. no litter box
house on small side street vs. apartment in a housing "park" on busy street
lotta money vs. saving some cash
all utilities paid vs. paying electric but other "things" are adjusted
no counter space vs. counter space (I'm a big cook/baker. Cookies go on a cooling rack on the WASHER)
washer/dryer are in my kitchen vs. see above
life sucking house vs. to be determined (to be explained another time)

Ok... I'm going to stop right there. As you can see I'm torn. Spinning in circles.

Saying I live on X Street sounds better than Y Street Apt Million though.
Ohh, I'm being shallow.

Dear Decisions: how I loathe you!