Vegetarianism

Back at work after an...interesting weekend. I'm really wishing this weather would warm up and stay warm. We're supposed to get yet another winter storm warning tonight. Oh what joy. When leaving this morning my cat decided she wanted to have an outdoor adventure. Pffft. Didn't take her long to figure out it's cold and she ran to the backdoor. Atleast her wanting ten seconds outside didn't make us late. She hasn't been running out lately but she did this morning for some reason. She's nuts.

I have often thought about vegetarianism and animal welfare. I don't necessarily believe in animal rights...that would mean that no one could eat animals, even those people who need meat because of medical reasons. I don't believe in inhumane treatment of animals even if they are being raised just to be slaughtered for food. I go back and forth with the idea of me being a vegetarian. I spent a year or more as one before and I felt...different. I'm not sure how to describe it other than 'lighter'. I can see why Buddhist Monks think that what you eat affects your mind and your thoughts. I like the taste of meat, I love eating a steak (however mine has to be well done and dry). However whenever I think of the fact that it used to be a living thing it kind of turns my stomach to think about eating it. Like the other night eating wings. We went somewhere where they served the WHOLE wing. From the point it attaches to the chicken on. Just minus feathers plus breading. Not something that was easy to eat. I often debate becoming a vegetarian again. Believe me after some experiences I've had it wouldn't be hard:

-dissecting a pig that my teammates named 'Wilber" in high school (plus alot of other dissections)

-the wing thing from the other night

-a 'present' in the form of a bird that a stray cat left me on my back porck as a thank you for feeding her with a bite taken out

-back in my vegetarian days I did some research and discovered the terrbile conditions most animals are raised in, believe me: they're not humane in any way. Some of these animals are left to stew (no pun intended) in their own fecal matter...ewww!!!

None of this stuff makes it particularly easy for me to eat any kind of meat. ESPECIALLY chicken and pork. It's nearly impossible for me to eat bacon. And actually if I went vegetarian again I'd almost be able to consider myself a vegan. I don't use any leather products and avoid animal products when I can. The only thing that would be hard for me to give up would be cheese and milk...yea not sure I could do that. Cheese and milk are too good. Everything else though I can pretty much easily live without. This is something I've been pondering for awhile and something I'll continue to ponder awhile longer. I'll keep ya posted on my decision.