Easter - Three Hams and A Leg of Lamb

I've gotten a mixed batch of feedback. Some share their own decision to remove meat from their diet and their success. Others - largely members of my extended family think I'm nuts and won't last the week. Luckily, I"m a bit obstinate and their words of doubt only serve to motivate me further. My family tends to encourage by using this unusual approach. I guess they don't want me to suffer "the big head".

I turned to my wife, Jamie, regarding my concern of weight. "Do you think I'll lose some weight?" I asked - in typical fashion - not with a trace of suggestion to indicate my real worry. "I"m sure," she responded with a complete guarantee. "But, you know, I can still eat sugar and butter and cake and cheese and ice cream..." my voice stretched over several octaves as I attempted to convince her that I was about to embark on a journey that was sure to expand my weight to extremes I have not yet dreamed possible. I have seven days until the big elimination and I suppose these are the games meat demons play when they face dethronement. Jamie reminded me that most vegetarians do not choose this diet simply to become unhealthy eaters. In fact, she emphasized, they actually want to eat well and focus somewhat on their overall health. This lightbulb moment helped me keep the demons at bay. I'm still on board. I won't give in. I have a mission.

I'm going to be a basic vegetarian this year. For me, that means I will be allowed to eat dairy products and occasional fish. Pretty simple rules. So far, that's about all I know. I have a week to educate myself. My number one concern at the moment is having a game plan. I'm afraid of how often I'm going to have to shop for food. Vegetarians eat vegetables...so, vegetables rot and wilt and stink when they do rot and wilt. So it will be necessary for me to shop for groceries more often. I'm also nervous about finding the products I need in my rural community. Our local grocery store has tomatoes, ice berg lettuce, onions, cucumbers...I'm going off the top of my head so I don't want to totally sell them short...but I really cannot think of many more choices than these. Then finally, the cost. Being healthy costs more than not. This is society's way to exercise Survival of the Fittest or ridding the world of excess baggage - I'm sure of it.

I would like to feel a little more confident about these preliminary issues by the end of the week. I certainly would rather hit the starting gate with a strong footing and a positive attitude.

All that said, the ham and lamb was GREAT! The lamb - I could cut with a spoon. Now, that's a true test for tender. I'll be enjoying the leftovers while I mull over these notions.