It's not chili at all

Making chili. Being domestic. It's not the weather, unless 85 degrees screams chili. Nope, there is just something about knowing that it's the holiday season. I haven't lived in the US for 5 years now and I've stuck close to the equator, and I don't have a TV, so what makes the holidays so potent that they seep through all the missing equations? I don't have a car, I don't frequent any stores, and yet my brain senses that I'm supposed to be wrapped in a blanket, sipping on tea, and smelling cinnamon and cloves, when in fact I'm in a tank top and shorts, went for a bike ride in the park, all windows open, could be June, could be March, and yet, I can sense it's not and I should be hibernating.

This is my meatless version since buying meat here disgusts me... I can't stand the sight nor smell of the meat section of any grocery store here - gag.

This time of year has always been a bit of a struggle. I've been away from my family for so long that the holidays are a bit lonely. Don't feel bad for me, I'm not sad, if I were I'd change my behavior, it's just that people put too much energy into this one commercialized holiday that is only benefiting China.

I did make a decision about my "winter" break... after Mary's wedding in Turks and Caicos (which is a week before my break starts) I'm heading to Colombia... I've found a town with an articulated kronosaur in situ. I know, awesome, huh.