The Pondering Absurdist

Well, I probably could have done it, but the rest of my (dietary) life would have been miserable. I honestly do feel a little bit terrible about what might happen to a baby calf or two because of my selfishness. Switching to vegetarianism is no problem for me since I was a vegetarian for many, many years, even preferring vegetarian meats over “the real thing,” and I will probably never eat animal flesh again. However, though I don’t drink milk (I never liked the taste or feel of it in my mouth), I have been a cheese lover all of my life (close to sixty years). And butter… nom, nom, nom… while I’m cooking, if I’m using butter, at least a few fresh slices right off the stick make it into my mouth to “sample,” as I love the taste of (salted) butter.

Though I’ve been known (in the past) to eat an entire pint of Häagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in one sitting, I don’t think I would have broken my vegan pact with myself solely for the ice cream. For me, the butter and the cheese were the kicker. While there are alternative, plant-based cheeses and “plant butter” spreads, they are just not the same. I tried for a couple of months, but I missed the flavor of real cheese and real butter. I also didn’t think I could go the rest of my life not eating another Round Table Pizza, one of my favorite foods.

To the baby bovine(s)… I know, it makes me a selfish human to indulge in dairy products when your life is at stake, and I do apologize. If I had my way the Dairy Industry wouldn’t be allowed to kill you just because we need your mom’s milk to make some delicious food items. I know it’s probably no consolation, but I won’t eat you, your mom, or your dad. I’m getting up there in age now, so my addiction won’t impact too many of you, if even one, for much longer.

PA