Jalisco Gringo Vegan

You may have noticed that I have not been around that much. I have a lot of things to blame, as I refuse to take personal responsibility for that. It would be easy to blame work, but I recall when I spent over 2 months in Milwaukee last summer, I still managed to blog quite a few times. So maybe I didn't really have much interesting to say. I try not to take life too serious, and I try to keep my blogs somewhat light, so when I didn't have anything funny to say, I elected to just say nothing and not blog. Maybe those were the blogs I should have written, so I'll try a new tactic, even if I have nothing chippy to say, I'll just write a boring blog about some random event and we'll see if it really matters. Hows that for PMA?

I've been travelling quite a bit (pretty much every week), and most of the time I've been getting by. This past week I spent in Guadalajara Mexico. My company had a trade show there, and they thought it might be fun to send me there. It was fun, in some respects, but eating was a special challenge. Lets just say that while I was trying to find food that did not contain "Carne, Leche, Huevos, Queso, etc", I was always greeted with wide eyes, and then a disbelieving smile. It didn't take me long to learn that vegetarians, let alone vegans were not very common in these parts. Well I wouldn't let that stop me, I'd starve before I exhausted all of my resources. Wait, I just may.

So a few weeks before when I was in Dallas, I traveled with Clif Bars, Pistachio's, PB, crackers (like I was worried about Texas being a third world country). Did I bother to pack one thing to take to Mexico? Nope not a one. I remembered before boarding that I would probably want something to eat, so I managed to find a decent burrito and brought it on the plane with me.

So I've heard endless warnings and horror stores about the dangers of what I was walking into, and I really haven't done any foreign travel in over a year, so I was a bit apprehensive. That, on top with the language thing (No habla espanol), I was half expecting to see militia at every exit of the airport, and and smoking hulls of Toyota pickups that had encounters with IED's. I was pleased to see neither of those, nor any real obvious issues. The neighborhood looked decent enough. Guadalajara is a big city, but not oppressive, by the time the cab got me to my hotel (20 mins), I already felt comfortable enough to head out on my own.

Upon just arriving I managed to get unpacked and changed, throw a pair of flip flops on (that I haven't worn since last summer, another brilliant idea), grab a map from the front desk and hop in the cab for the city center. After walking around for a while, I got the bright idea to find this vegetarian restaurant I sort of remember seeing online. The phone works, I'll just call my wife and she can look it up for me. Ok that was easier said than done. The next several hours were spent walking and walking in search of this phantom restaurant. After it started turning dusk, I managed to find a 7-11, where I grabbed some (cant confirm its vegan-ness) rolls, and a mexican-coke, or as they call it in Mexico, "Coke". So it was back to the hotel for me, and room service. A very un-Mexican Pasta-Pomodoro.

The next few days at the trade show were unremarkable. No real breakfast served, but there were veggies and fruit juices out every day. As I noted, the veggies were to be eating with salt, lime, and chile powder. This became my daily breakfast routine. Especially cucumber. It was an especially good combo with them. Lunch's were formal, no buffet, all sit down. Soup (cream of something), Main course (meat and veggies), and dessert. Having explained my "situation" to my colleagues, they took to explaining to the wait staff my restrictions. So my vegetarian meal was basically the main course, with a few more veggies, and no meat. I will admit, I was pretty sure that butter was involved in my meal, but the alternative was to eat nothing each day. I opted for survival (go easy on me).

Going out with some colleagues, led me to my most Mexican meal of the week, cheese-less nacho's (they added mushrooms for some reason), guac/chips, beer (Sol) and Tequila (Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia). Which in and of itself was funny. If they saved this stuff for the family, how does a gringo like myself get served it?

We drank what the referred to as a "Mexican Flag", but I think the colors were off a bit. You sip the tequila (middle), then some spicy tomato juice, and finally some lemon juice. Its an odd combination, but I liked the pomp and circumstance, so I was all over this combo.

On to the next few days, more spicy cukes, chips and salsa (botanera), veggies probably made with butter, glass after glass of horchata (where has this amazing drink been all my life?), and room service pasta, I was left to my last evening where some folks took me out to a nice restaurant, which turned out to be Italian. Yep, I'm getting pasta for dinner again. So to make a long story short, for a week I thought I would be up to my eyeballs in rice and beans, I've pretty much eaten taters, veggies, and sketti's for a week.

Interestingly enough, my best meal of the week was at the GDL airport. I managed to find the vegtarian dish at this restaurant, and although it was light (I ate this in about 4 bites), it was quite tasty.

Its no wonder that when I got home late Friday night, I was oddly craving burrito's.

On to my next adventure

It seldom turns out the way it does in the song...

Well I ain't often right but I've never been wrong

It seldom turns out the way it does in the song

Once in a while you get shown the light

In the strangest of places if you look at it right

Probably my favorite lines from any song ever recorded. They really stuck with me at a point in my life when I needed all the help I could get. I've just recently listened again to the precise show that these words really jumped out to me, and it took me back about 10 years when I was going through a rather rough time. (This is Scarlett Begonias from The Grateful Dead if you hadn't guessed by now). I was going through some profoundly tough times, and I sought solace in listening to Grateful Dead shows. It was the music and poetry of Jerry Garcia that had a big hand in showing me the way through those times.

I'm going through different times now, not like back then, but a different set of life challenges. I have a job that has evolved into a full time travel position, 2 great kids, that i "share" with my ex wife, a year old nugget that is love of my life, and a wonderful wife, that just so happens to be expecting in October. Oh yeah, and the whole vegan thing has had its share of challenges. Its a different struggle now, but one I'm still looking to Jerry again to help me through.

I am happy that I am encountering so many great people (who happen to be vegans). So many of them seem to be getting by, and living life with ease. I could not be happier for them... For me? Well I'll just listen to those old shows I have when I start to wonder where I can find the energy to keep it all together.

a Vegan survey (for Phro*Zen Meg)

Meg from Phro*Zen Ice Cream recently contacted me and wanted to ask me a few questions. I figured instead of just filling out the email and sending it back, I'd at least make a blog of it. More fun this way, and it keeps me at this full disclosure thing that I've been saying. Anything I have to say about myself is open to the scrutiny of my vegans. I haven't read these in advance, I'll try to be as serious as I can, but that is asking a lot.

For those that haven't read your blog yet, give us a little background. When did you become a vegan?

I became vegan in April of 2010. I changed over from a full on Omnivorous lifestyle. I literally changed overnight from eating meat, cheese, drinking milk, and avoiding most vegetables like the plague. I tend to overdo things, so instead of trying to phase into it, I stopped all animal based products when I returned from a trip to Colorado. From the next day on, I began the process of figuring out what exactly I got myself into.

What was the inspiration behind making that change?

My wife was 4 months into Yoga certification training, and had already given up red meat, and was moving towards a vegetarian diet. She had been enlightening me to the concept of "Ahimsa" and bringing to my attention the real workings of the meat and dairy industry. I'll admit, I was pretty sure those industries were not squeaky clean, but I've always been of the mindset that meat and milk come from a grocery store, and thats about all I needed to know.

Have you faced challenges with adhering to a vegan diet?

I have and continue to face them. When I started, I had no idea what I was doing, so I was first challenged with what I could eat. I spent about two weeks eating PB&J and Pasta. Granted, PB&J is probably the worlds perfect food, but I was sure I could not keep eating it. Over time we learned how to cook and shop, and have begun to amass a library of things to make. But it is still a challenge, as food in general is not a simple as it once was.

I was surprised at how little I missed milk, and how much I missed things like hot dogs and hamburgers. I've been seeking to replicate and find the perfect substitute for them, but realize that those are not going to leave me satisfied, and I need to find other things I love, instead of trying to reproduce the old desires.

Have you experienced any positives associated with veganism?

I feel healthier, and I dont have diners remorse. I did in fact love fast food, but would literally feel ill at times after picking something up that sounded good at the time. In December I had noted that I had lost 30 lbs since adopting the new dietary lifestyle. I have a greater appreciation for Organic food, and am now seeking out how we can eliminate preservatives and artificial ingredients completely from our diet. I'm better educated about what goes into food, and the myths of why we need dairy. I feel at least I am not contributing to industries that are preying on the fact that our nation is and will continue down a path of gluttony. Oh and I've met some cool chicks.

Are there things that you miss aside from certain foods that you miss about being an omnivore?

I travel quite a bit, and I miss being able to go out to dinner, and order a meal without just settling for the one thing on the menu that is or can be easily veganized. I miss going to my wifes inlaws for Sunday dinner and having to eat "around" the items that were cooked. I miss the convenience.

What's one thing someone who is vegan should know about those who aren't?

I think that most people who are not vegan have no idea why anyone would want to become vegan, nor would they be aware of the ideals that the vegan has adopted. So I treat anyone who would challenge me with smiles and respect. They don't know me or anything about me, so I will give the benefit of the doubt, and happily explain my position. I don't judge, or pass judgement. This is my choice, my life.

What's one thing that someone who isn't vegan should know about being vegan?
I've learned to view this like anyone else who has a personal lifestyle that may not align with mine to simply respect another persons lifestyle. And we aren't all flaming liberals. But most of us probably are.

What would you like people to know about the vegan lifestyle?

I think you can guess the theme of my comments, and it is really about respect first. I'm not a preacher, and tend not to bring my personal opinions on how others choose to life their lives. I realize just because everyone does something, doesn't imply that it is right, but since I tend not to try and sell my lifestyle, I just ask that others do the same. I would offer to others that I am just like them, I just choose to make different decisions when it comes to dining, shopping, etc. Its hard to pick us out from a crowd. We are like real people.

Are there issues concerning the vegan lifestyle that you find surprising? exciting? confusing?

I have a friend who eats meat/dairy but does so in a somewhat responsible manner. He buys his meat from a local farm, drives almost an hour to another farm for his milk, and pays upwards of $4 for a dozen of organic eggs, that I suspect are laid by chickens hanging out by the pool, and reading trashy romance novels. OK, the meat still results in the death of the animal. The milk? Well I didnt ask if it was given up freely by cows who who got pregnant because they were promiscuous. But if the chickens are really living the good life, why not enjoy their product? But then is that exploitation the problem?

Am I really making a difference by avoiding the whole wheat bread from Subway because it has honey? Is this better for me than the vegan choice of Italian. Would honey as a sweetener server me better that high fructose corn syrup?

A friend of mine has been vegan for 20+ years but he eats honey. Perhaps by some he would have to give back the vegan membership card.

Anything else you'd like to add? A favorite vegan dish you can find here in Cincinnati? A favorite recipe?

I could go on and on here, but since we are head there tonight, I should point out that I love Skyline, as it was probably the only place that I continued to frequent before and after turning vegan. I was happy to find out there pasta is vegan, so having a 5-way with veg chili (no cheese) is one of my fav's. Besides that, Melt, Amma's Kitchen, and now Shanghai Mama's are our current fav's in the city.

Please check out Meg's blog http://phrozenicecream.wordpress.com/ and follow her on twitter.


Cincinnati,... its not just for Chili anymore.

Losing My Religion

Lately it seems I have been thinking about this in great detail. As you all have seen, and guessed that I have been somewhat aloof lately. I've been trying to wrap my head around all of this. Over the last few months I've amassed a fair amount of followers on Twitter, and I have been witnessing a lot of differing levels of individuals "commitment" to their chosen lifestyle. I also see a fair amount of challenges and accusations and statements about what it means to be a "real" vegan. Let it be known that I have never been challenged on my "veganism", but then I don't think I am an entirely open book, so perhaps the challenging chapters have not been published (yet).

I really think it compares closely to a religion, or ones passion they have for their faith, and the desire to project their faith on others. As far as that goes, lets take a step back. I was raised a Catholic, but never really practiced it that much. Pretty much once I was confirmed back in junior high school, church became somewhat "optional", and I don't have a recollection of going much in my high school years. I think I went to church once or twice in college, but that was mostly because a friend of mine was a rather devout Catholic, and I used to like hanging out with her. After that I pretty much went "alltheist" (see urban dict for that one).  I dabbled in Southern Baptist, Lutheran, Wiccan, Devil worship... just kidding,.. I never went Lutheran.

It was recently (in relative terms) that I went back to the Catholic church, and I can mostly thank (blame?) my wife for that. Well before we were married, she used to talk to me about the benefit of going to church, taking that time out of your week to calm your soul, and be thankful for what you have. Also, to introduce it to my son and daughter, who had no knowledge, or desire to learn. My parents gave me the benefit of the introduction, but it was up to me to establish a relationship. Unfortunately relationships have never been one of my strong suits. Coming back was my decision, my desire, and all by my doing. I don't agree with a number of things, but I do it for me, and I leave others to make up their own mind. This is about the extent I even talk about it. Its my choice, and as far as I'm concerned, I am a Catholic.

My ex-wife was raised Southern Baptist.  Her folks are split up, and remarried.  Her mother ("born again"), and her father-in-law became very "assertive" church goers. Very aggressive Christians. So much so, that it would really start to put you off. I've had a number of discussions and arguments with her FIL, as I just didn't get the point that only those, who are "saved", would be saved. I didn't buy the fact that most of the planet was doomed because they didn't know how to utter the words. I finally stopped arguing. My point would never be made. I can see how my ex, and her sister became very put off by the religion. So much so, that they are put off by any and all of them. I was more impressed by what it was that made her FIL so convinced he was right. I didnt think he was, but he sure as hell thought he was (interesting choice of words I realize)

But I was thinking about the passion my FIL invoked whenever it came up in conversation. In his mind, this was the path to salvation. He really seemed convinced he was right. So if you really knew in your heart that this was the only way to be "saved", would you be passionate enough to try to convince others?

I'm learning also how passionate people are about their veganism, and how far they take it. I'm understanding the nuances of a "foodie" versus an "abolitionist" (seriously, I never really encountered those terms), and seeing how outspoken everyone is about this. There is a lot of activism in this "club". A lot of people that are very passionate about their cause. Its a righteous one, admittedly. Simply put:

• End cruelty. Live a cruel free life. 
• Don't purchase or consume products that contain animal content. 

Its that simple, right? Well people get pretty emotional when it comes to this, lots of opinions, calls for letters, boycotts, it can get very heated. Well why wouldn't it? So many people need to be educated, so many people don't know. Well they don't know what they don't know right? I recall someone tweeted that we should just talk to one person a day about veganism,.... well its almost like talking to them about Jesus being your personal savior, right? Interesting, maybe my FIL had a point. At least I can understand his passion. Whether I choose to believe it or not is another matter. I have to respect where he is coming from.

So is there a difference?  In veganism there is no "god" per-se, but the ideal we seek, is not unlike the ideal one seeks to live ones life as Jesus. So if I don't claim Jesus my savior am I dammed? If I don't abolish all animal based products, am I dammed? I don't know, maybe I am. But maybe I just need to find out where I fit in. I will admit, I stressed out when I discovered there was probably bone dust in my Oreo's.

I don't know how far this goes. I wonder, because I know at some point it is really going to affect those around me. I don't want to be the kid that sits at the special table, or someone who has to bring their own food. I don't want to question my mom, dad, or my in-laws about every ingredient that went into a meal. I hope I can find the right groove, feel like I am really doing the right thing, on the right path, but not alienate those around me.

It is interesting to see two groups as polar opposites, yet so much alike. I guess I have to respect the abolitionists, but I am clearly not there. Maybe I never will be. I respect the "saved" for their opinions. Maybe they are right. But it doesn't matter. They think they are.

So according to some, I'm neither Vegan, nor am I going to Heavan. I, however, think I need this T-Shirt

In case you wondered, I am still a Vegan

As some have pointed out, my blog has taken on a rather stale aroma over the last month or so. The last few posts have not been overly positive, so a few of you, including several members of my family, have wondered if there was some "announcement" forthcoming. I can assure you that there is nothing (at least related to veganism) I have to announce. I do have some blogs in the works, but because of the endless travel schedule that I have been enduring with work, I've had little time to write anything meaningful. In all actuality, I've had little time to do much else besides travel, work, and sleep. There is, however, some minor relief in the near future, starting this very week.

This is the close of my 10th month of veganism, and suffice it to say its still about as hard now as it has been from the beginning.  I am, however eating more than just PB&J's and pasta now though. I wont say i haven't evolved "culinarily", but mentally, I'm still at the PB&J phase. I wish it was as easy for me as it is for a lot of my vegan friends. It isn't. I'm not giving up on it just because it is hard, though. I'm trying to understand why it is so hard. I'll explore that in the posts that come. For now. thank you for your concern, but I'm OK, just a little ragged at the moment. And still vegan.

Love Of My Life

Love of my life - you've hurt me
You've broken my heart and now you leave me
Love of my life can't you see
Bring it back, bring it back
Don't take it away from me
Because you don't know -
What it means to me

Love of my life - don't leave me
You've stolen my love and now desert me
Love of my life can't you see
Bring it back, bring it back
Don't take it away from me
Because you don't know -
What it means to me

You will remember -
When this is blown over
And everything's all by the way -
When I grow older
I will be there at your side to remind you
How I still love you - I still love you

Ooooo
Hurry back - hurry back
Dont take it away from me
Because you don't know
What it means to me

Love of my life
Love of my life ...

Protège moi de mes désirs

The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true. 

For one reason or another, when I think about eating something non-vegan, I hear Galadrial in the back of my head talking to me. Seriously.

This is a bit dramatic, but there is a lot of truth to this. I used to smoke, I mentioned this in post I put out in late summer last year. I commented on how much I enjoyed smoking. I quote: "I used to smoke, and I was good at it. No, I was great at it. I was the best smoker you ever saw, and I loved it..." This is precisely why I could never entertain lighting up another cigarette. Oh I have had a few in the last 5 years, but I swear on "someones" grave, I did not inhale. I knew better. Once that smoke hit my lungs, I'd be hooked again. At least I recognize my addictive nature, and avoid getting sucked back in. I even toyed with giving myself rules to allow myself to smoke. Like, "Only smoke when you travel", but then I travel too much for that, so I said "Only smoke when travelling Internationally". That sounded better, but almost immediately I started eyeballing Canada (which isnt all that far away). I could see myself making an excuse to go to our Detroit office, then slipping into Windsor for some debaucherous behavior. No, not that,.. just pull over, have a few smokes, then drive back. I can imagine what they would say at immigration. "Purpose for visit? Oh, I'm just coming over to have a smoke". Clearly I couldn't trust myself with rules. It was all or nothing,.. well,.. it was nothing.

You see my point. Just one slip, and I come crashing down. This is how I feel about my now nine months of veganism. I watched TV last night, as I am oddly addicted to Glee (not related to the point I'm trying to make, but it may be relevant at some point), and there was a slew of commercials on for the crappiest of foods out there. Pizza, Fast Food, Fried Chicken, etc. And it all looked soooooo good. I could smell the Pizza, feel the crunch of the Fried Chicken as I sunk my teeth into it,.. and Subway has a new "big hot pastrami" commercial. Come on are you serious? A Subway commercial of all things? Yeah, I'm not always haunted by classy stuff, its not Ruth's Chris and Morton's that are haunting me, its the Jersey Mikes, Jimmy John's, Quizno's genre that is causing me the greatest stress. But lately, its that damn pastrami commercial. That commercial feels like it was made to taunt me specifically.


Maybe its the new year, the holidays are over, work has slammed me once again. My happy festive spirit is long since gone, my gallettes were a train wreck (still pondering though). My travel schedule is getting brutal, and my general mood is declining. Its probably just that post holiday slump. I feel like this veganism is narrow path along the face of a cliff, and there is an easy way off. (No, not the Mines of Moria) Just eat the cheeseburger, and put all this madness behind you. What good am I doing? One vote never counts, despite whatpeople tell you.


I dont really have anything tempting in the house anymore, but I've been thinking about how I could cheat, and not tell anyone, keep it from my wife, my family, keep it off twitter. I have daydreamed about going to Jimmy Johns and just sitting in my car, disposing of all of the evidence, then going on my way. Man, I could NEVER pull that off. I'd have guilt written all over my face,.. and then I'd just want to do it again and again. My wife would see right through me. I could never keep a secret from her.

Its a struggle, and I'm just surprised at myself a little. I've read a number blogs of people converting, and then within a couple of months, they have all but sworn off any desire for meat or dairy. I wonder if that desire will ever go away. I have changed, there are things that now give me pause, where i never used to give them a second thought (ribs for example. now the thought of sucking on bones is a bit disturbing). Thats good, right? It is much more gradual than I had thought though. This is going to take years or longer to get this behind me. Or is it like smoking, where it never quite goes away, and I have to give myself an out. When I turn 80, I'm going to take it up smoking again. At that point, what harm could it do? Too late to kill me then. So maybe I'll have a steak as well. My luck, I would cease up and die on that very spot. I would forever be remembered as the long time vegan that died face down in a hunk of meat with a marlboro burning in an ashtray. Ok, maybe I wont have that steak, but I am having that smoke.

It's the disease of the age

It's the disease that we crave

Alone at the end of the rave

We catch the last bus home

Corporate America wakes

Coffee republic and cakes

We open the latch on the gate

Of the hole that we call our home

Protect me from what I want...

Protect me protect me

Sammy's first Birthday (All Vegan Party)

I'm a little late getting this post out, as I had a few other blog entries that pushed ahead.  As most of you probably already know, my youngest (Sam), is a lifelong vegan. His life, has only been a year in the making, but he has been a vegan longer than I so I have great respect for his lifestyle choice (ok, we made the choice).  He turned 1 the day after Christmas, and we are hosting his first birthday party with immediate family and close friends (and their children). We felt that this was a perfect opportunity to showcase our newly discovered cooking talents, and make this party entirely vegan.  I cannot guarantee that a "sheet pizza" will not be bought, but I promise you it wont originate from me.  This should be easy, only 40 or so people.  We are also keeping this nut free, as there are always allergies to consider.

I've posted the links to where I got these, I don't claim to have come up with all of these on my own, but if you do see something you like, feel free to leave me a comment, and I'll happily share what went into it.

Our "intended" menu for the days festivities are as follows:

• Gardein Chicken Fingers
• Pasta with Marinara
• Bruschetta w/ Daiya moz
• Olive Tapanade w/ Tofutti cream cheese
• Our Homemade Hummus w/ Pita
• Olives, Red Peppers, Celery, Carrots
• Chips & Salsa
• Mock Tuna Salad
• Sushi (homemade by moi)
• Salad
• Yummy Vegan Chocolate Monkey Cake (a banana cake for Sam) w/ So-D Ice Cream

Most of our food was just staged on a table, so people could just graze as they wanted. We rolled out pasta after a few hours, I neglected to photograph the pasta, but there was nothing so visually interesting about this pasta anyways.  Close your eyes and image pasta.

The party was a wonderful event.  We had a large contingent of friends and family, and the lack of Animal, Dairy or otherwise went completely unnoticed.  I was deemed the sushi chef, so I spent the first part of the event in the kitchen assembling.  It turned out wonderful.  I am very meticulous about the rice, I prepare the water in advance with some Kombu and Sake.  Spend a good 20 minutes washing the rice before cooking it. I bought a Hangiri years back, and it helps the rice come out flawless.  Best sushi rice ever!!!

The sushi turned out awesome

I'm not the best roller in the world, definitely need to work on that, but these bad boys got sucked down pretty quick.

My daughter transforms into a sushi zombie whenever this stuff gets near.  

Watch out, she may feel the same way about braaaaaaaaainnnnnnnnzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Well lets get onto the party, and the birthday boy.  Rachel worked tirelessly on the cake, and some of my vegans on twitter may recall when I was tweeting about some cake malfunctions that were going on the kitchen.  These malfunctions were all addressed, and no one was the wiser :)  This was a "Hanuman" themed party, so our vegan Hanuman came out great

Note the banana above.  This was Sammy's personal cake.

All in all we had a wonderful party, about 40 guests, and Sam stayed up until all but the last few die-hards were long gone. Sorry Toby, we ate everything, there was nothing left for you ;)

First all Vegan party,... and the best part was, no one even knew, and everyone had a good time.  I will be making the sushi again soon though.  For as big as a pain it is, its still pretty awesome.

Happy Birthday Hanuman.

I'm a free "booch" baby

I cant say for certain what she has in that cup, but I have it on good authority that she is enjoying a nice cup of kombucha.  On who's authority you ask?  Well lets just stick to business here, and let me worry about where I get my information.  Hey, if its good for Gaga,.. it is indeed something I am interested in.  Yes, this once-former-80's-metal-head-turned-Miami-Vice-wanna-be-Cure-goth-loving-Grateful-Deadhead-meat-eater-turned-vegan-grande-triple-latte-drinking-evolved-to-oolong-sipping-consumer is brewing da booch.  Let the good times roll.

So booch and I go way back.  I mean waaaaaaaaay back, like we are talking MONTHS!!! Ok, not so way back then.  The first time I ever heard about this was from a small place in Northside call Picnic and Pantry. They told me about something call Fab Ferments.  A local kombucha brew.  Whats that (i ask)? She told me it was a fermented tea that tasted like vinegar (that's what SHE said).  At $4 a bottle, I had no choice but to get one.  So I did.  I brought it home, looked at it in the fridge for a few days.  Then one evening when no one was home, I cracked open the bottle, and drank it down. It was an odd mixture of grape flavor, and fizzy vinegary taste, but it was enjoyable.  Afterwards, I sat back, and waited for it to happen. Wasnt sure what would happen, but I suspected visions, colors, trails, and general euphoria.  After a few hours, I decided this wasnt going to happen, but as odd as it was, I was craving it a week later.

My wife noted that at $4 a bottle, I had better learn how to make my own, as I probably wont be drinking many at that price.  Thats about the time I started twittering around, and came across this unasuming lady.  Meet my new booch mama. Hannah Crum.  She is in no way related to that somewhat famous Bulgarian Quiddich Seeker Viktor Krum.  Well I assume she isn't.  I'll leave that for her to clarify.  They do look awfully cute together though. And you should treat yourself to some of her work, she is a quite an accomplished linguist and actor. 我跳舞的时候你可以照顾我的猫五分钟吗 Hmmm,... but I digress.

To make a long story short (hahaha, I never do) and following my normal mode of operation (act first, inquire later), I started looking around to see what I need to brew my own.  I still didnt know what it was I would be making, but that never stopped me before.  Remember my "going vegan" story? Yeah, I went vegan before I knew what it meant, so this must be easy peasy.

So Hannah hooks our little club up with some scobies and other wares.  Oh, by "club" I mean: @vegangoodthings @slc_vgn @monkandmao @cookinvegan and myself of course.  (we are the fab 5). Oh and by "scoby", I mean a "Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast". Ok, dont ask, I have no clue what that means.  I know it looks like a slimy pancake, and it is what makes your otherwise sweet-tea, kombucha.

I found a nice little martini pitcher to hold my scoby, until I knew what to do.  I searched all over the house for something to brew in, but ended up going to Target to find a nice home for my brew ($20).  And brewing was a snap.  If you can boil water, you can booch.  Although with all of the questions I post on twitter, my tweeps may assume otherwise.


So here is my scoby hanging out in a nice sweet tea, just waiting to be set aside and left alone.  I admit, I have had this overwhelming urge to poke this scoby, but I have been convinced by our club to leave this be.  Its very tough for me to leave it alone.  We have grown quite fond of each other.

So now I resist the urge, I cover it up, and find a nice place to hide it.  Now we havent even gotten to bottling.  I've no idea what to do there, but I'll surely panic, email and tweet the KClub, but before long, I'm sure I will figure that out too.  In the meantime, I leave it in its nice cozy spot.  Stay tuned for bottling updates.  I'm thinking of some flavors for now.  We'll see how it pans out:

• Vegan Reuben Booch
• Potatoe and Leek Booch
• Hooch Booch (Kentucky Bourbon)
• Smart Dog w/ Vegan Chili Booch
• Garlic Hummus Booch

Maybe I better Google,.. or better yet, HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing strange going on here. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be a Donor

I'm taking a moment away from vegan blogging to write a quick note about something I don't actually talk to much about, but recognize that it is a very important subject, and has the potential to save so many lives. I'm referring to organ donation.  I never thought about this much, but I always checked the box when getting my license.  I always assumed that when I go, I wont be around to worry about my organs anyways.  That was until about 13 years ago, my father, while undergoing a routine exam for his heart, was given a contrast dye, which ended up destroying his perfectly healthy kidneys (there was no heart problem as it turned out).  This was a rare statistical anomaly, but its one of those things you generally sign away when giving consent to have a procedure done.  

By the fall of 98, by father was in "end stage renal failure", and was getting out of bed hourly, and going to dialysis several times a week.  That fall, I began the process for being evaluated as kidney donor. Without getting into too much detail, I basically became a regular fixture at the Cleveland Clinic while they evaluated me from top down to make sure I was a good candidate.  Sometime in November that year, I was cleared for donation, and the date was set.  Jan 5th, 1999.  12 years ago today, I donated a kidney to my father.

Yes, thats us clutching our sides with our personal stuffed animals. Mine was a platypus

Most of my friends don't even know about this, as I am intensely private about my personal life, and I really dont look for attention when it comes to these things.  I'm not writing this entry for any reason other than to just tell people to consider being a donor.  According to UNOS, over 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants.  Living donation helps bring this number down and saves lives.  Over 6000 donations were made last year (average) by living donors.  This includes kidneys, liver, lung, intestine, and pancreas.

Today the procedure is much less invasive. This was my 14 inch incision

The procedure has advanced quite a bit over time.  In 99, only one or two hospitals in the country were doing this laproscopically, and Froedtert in Milwaukee was not one of them.  I'll never forget flying there on the 2nd of Jan from Cleveland in a snowstorm.  We were concerned about getting off the ground, when I was informed that since I was "transporting" an organ for donation, a military or coast guard plane could be summoned to take me.  That was a moment that actually freaked me out considerably.

The surgery was a success though, and my fathers health improved immediately.  We spent a week in the hospital, I spent the next 2-3 in Wisconsin, before returning to Cleveland.  All told, I missed about 3 months of work.  With the advances made since then, I'd probably only miss a week now.

I honestly don't think about this too much any more, as we have both healed and moved on.  For me there was never a decision to make, I always knew I would donate.  That doesn't mean this was easy.  It was a tough time emotionally for me and my family.  Now, my father is doing well, and has never had any rejection issues.  Besides the daily medicine regimen he is on, there are no lingering issues.  The problems was solved 12 years ago today, and if it wasn't for a note my dad sent me last night, I may have let this day pass without notice as well.

Whenever the subject comes up regarding "the transplant", everyone

tells me how lucky I was to have had (and still do),  a son with the

courage and character to step up. .  Of course I knew then, and still

do, that you were someone special.  I'm a very proud and  lucky guy to

have you for a son.

When thanks isn't enough,

Love dad

A New Year

I wanted to get out a quick post at the beginning of the new year mainly to wish all of my friends and family a Happy New Year.  Last year was quite an upheaval for me:  My wife and I were enjoying our first full year of marriage, while raising our new "vegan nugget" Sam, who just turned 1 on the 26th (Dec).  In April we both transitioned to a vegan lifestyle and we never looked back.  Its been a hectic but overwhelmingly eye opening year for me.  I've learned more about life, food, family, and myself in one year, than I have in countless previous ones.  I look forward to more of the same in the coming year.

I started listing out names of the new friends I've made over the last few months, but quickly realized that there are way to many to list, and I would not want to omit anyone.  I am wishing all my "vegans" great success this coming year, and I hope to continue to get to know you all better.  Thank you all for your help and support these past few months.  I will look to you all for continued help and support in the coming year.  I will do my best to help you out whenever I can.

Happy New Years my Vegans Friends

Brian