Whatever Some People might think, I’m not struggling with the new diet. I haven’t had meat or dairy for ten days now, and I’m feeling good about it in every way I know how to feel good. I’m getting all the nutrients I need, I can promise the doubters (and they know who they are) of that fact.

Plus, even though I’m spending a lot (a whole lot) of extra time in the kitchen, chopping and measuring and stirring, I’m not tired of that part of the deal yet. The extra time washing and wiping isn’t quite as much fun, but I’m still happy to do it.

My problem is still trying to figure out what to buy, how much, and whether I already have it or not. When I think I do, I probably don’t. When I think I don’t, I’ll end up with twice as much as I need, at least. I carry these long, detailed lists through three grocery stores a week, and I still can’t get a handle on the shopping thing.

Tonight I was all set to start working on a new dish with ginger and bok choy and— well, it doesn’t really matter what else was going to be in it, because when I reached for the corn starch, there wasn’t any. I was so sure I had it, I didn’t even put it on the list I took with me yesterday. But you can bet it’ll be on the list I take tomorrow.

Anyway, it gave me a chance to use up some of the brown rice I made yesterday, and one of the cans of organic black beans in the pantry, and a few leftover vegetables. I made a bean and rice extravaganza with various vegetable toppings. It was supposed to be on last week’s menu, but for some reason I hadn’t been able to make it. I’m pretty sure the reason was that I didn’t have all the ingredients, because of another failed shopping trip.