Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Inspired

In an effort to do my part for my country, my community and myself, Isaiah and I have decided to make a conscious effort to eat locally and seasonally. We plan on eating legumes, fish and white meat, with just beef and pork twice a month, if we can manage. We won't be strict, but we'll think twice about the sausage McMuffin with egg at McDonald's. And no, it won't all be bought at the farmer's market, but I'd like to at least have 60-80 percent of it purchased there, that way I can help local farmers, Portland economy, and my digestive system. Of course, I'll have a craving for pizza, for string cheese and the occasional banana, but I'll be checking this here chart the Portland Farmer's Market websites provide so that I can plan my meals around what is in season.
And, in the effort to eat locally, I'm also going to try to cook much more. I suck at it, meaning I just don't make that time for it and I find it to be a huge chore, but the effort is always worth it. After having spent the weekend at my parent's place house sitting and just s l o w i n g d o w n in general, I want to make things from scratch. My friend sent me to this here site, The Pioneer Woman, and she's totally inspired me, opened up my eyes and made me envious and nostalgic for something I don't have. But as my other friend pointed out, sure, I may not live on a ranch and Isaiah is not a wrangler, I don't have four kids, but I try in my own way, and I want her statement to be true: I want to be her, but of course, here in the city. I have many friends who make their own soup, bake their own bread, etc. I want to be like that. I want to be that person. I want my children to remember and long for home cooked meals the way I do. I want them to remember the smells, and the feelings of dinner around the table with their brothers and sisters, the way I do. I want that for my family. Isaiah has very different memories. He felt that he was "forced" to eat around the table and "forced" to eat lentils and quiche. I don't want my children to feel forced, I want them to feel excited for when they all get together and chat and eat a home cooked meal their mama slaved over. That's what I want. That's what I'll do and that's what I'll get.

3 comments:

Kristin said...

Thats so cool that you can buy local most of the time. The bainbrige farmers market doesn't really have a lot of stuff, plus its not open right now. I think the winter market opens in December so I'll try to frequent that every Saturday.

Kelly said...

This is super cool Andrea. Eating locally is actually one of the best environmental things a person can do. But also it's about supporting the people who actually grow the food. I've been thinking about the 100 mile diet for a bit now and I don't think I'm ready to do it. I am trying to eat more vegan and buy from our excellent food co-op here. I'm taking advantage of living in such a food friendly place like Corvallis.

Urban Pioneer!

andrea said...

Yay, Urban Pioneer. What is the 100 mile diet?
That's great that Corvallis is so food oriented. We have a co-op at 24th and Thurman, but it's a bit of a trek for me and I always forget it's there.