Vegging Out?

So in order to continue along my path of becoming a true hippie, I should go vegan, yes? :) I mean, I am already breastfeeding an almost-3-year-old, I'm about to plant a veggie garden in my backyard, I did a stint of cloth diapering, we still co-sleep here and there, I'm a registered Democrat (or more accurately, a bleeding heart liberal, as my father used to say), I've given serious consideration to home-schooling, and my overall approach to parenting is decidedly on the "gentle discipline" or "consensual living" side -- I'm well on my way! I will not stop shaving my pits though. I have to draw the line somewhere. OK, also no cloth TP. So I'm probably more of a mainstream hippie. But still. You see my point. There is an inner hippie that comes out more and more each year, especially since becoming a mom.

Seriously, though -- I watched a couple videos on Peta's web site the other day that had me bawling hysterically. I watched the pigs and chickens and how they are treated before they are made into food. All this after I brought home a pork loin from Fry's. Lovely! (It's simmering now in my crockpot. I figured it was crueler to make his death be in vain and just throw him out. So now he's providing a wonderful meal for a nice family. :) ) ANYWAY -- it got me thinking about this whole vegetarian thing.

I have pondered this throughout the years off and on. I love tofu, hummus, veggie sausage, chik'n patties, vegetables, etc. I think I could truly live without meat. I think. My poor husband. His response? "Could we just get past this phase and move on to your next new thing?" I probably would have gotten mad about that if he weren't spot on. I do like to try new things! :) But this is a lifestyle change.. something healthier, it would cost less, and after watching that footage... I could feel better about the way my food was prepared before it even got to my house.

So I'm online researching recipes to see if it's all something I could handle. Hmm...