how i like it...

i remember a time - not so long ago, i would pull out my heaviest winter coat for a 50F degree day. i have noticed this year with the change in seasons that i have become "one of those people"! this morning it was 50F (10C) degrees and i only needed a sweater and a thin silk scarf to walk down to harvard for a playgroup. granted the afternoon is 60F (15C), and is perfect sweater weather! coming from houston (by way of so-cal), and then greece, this is REALLY different for me.

during my walk this morning, i started reminiscing about how i developed a taste for spicy foods much in the same way. i remember my first year of college i was living with roommates, and one of them (allan) had ordered a pizza the night before, and at lunchtime the next day i asked if i could have a piece. he did not mention the fact that it had jalapenos on it, and they were under the cheese so i didnt notice them (maybe i thought the greenish lumps were bell peppers?) anyway.. next thing i know, i am literally laying down on the couch, asking for a glass of milk for my fiery mouth! (hehehe-!)

in the coming years after that, i became a full-fledged spice junky. it didnt happen immediately, but the next thing i know i am inhaling chips with those spicy pickled carrots, garlic & jalapenos mix on the table at the taquerias, and topping it off with their hot salsa - literally getting euphoric... and it continues today where i have a half-teaspoon of "el yucateca" habanero salsa* in almost anything i eat!

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Yucateco_Chile_Habanero

who knew autumn and jalapenos were a gateway drug?