Recollections

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I Remember living in Taiwan and dying for eggnog at Christmas. I guess it's just one of those things you are conditioned to expect in the States: eggnog at Christmas, candy at Halloween, fireworks during Fourth of July, cards on Valentine's Day...

In Taiwan, eggnog is unheard of. And they don't have the "right" candy for Halloween (not that they really celebrate it). I remember rampaging through stores for 100 Grand and 3 Musketeers and Tootsie Rolls, and it was generally a lost cause. I had to rely on family and friends to send me packages of such contraband.

But, I do think it's strange that I expect eggnog once the holiday season starts, considering I grew up in Southern California. It doesn't really get cold enough for eggnog, to be honest. But then, I also think that autumn means pretty red leaves and winter means snow - two things that don't actually happen around here, but every school and commercial has drilled into my head that it's what to expect. Realistically, all autumn means around here is shorter days, and sometimes it rains in the winter.

It'd be nice to one day experience the seasons and holidays as I've been conditioned to experience them. To watch the leaves change and fall, to play in the snow, to sit in front of a roaring fireplace and roast chestnuts. Until then, I will have to settle for celebrating with Starbucks.

......this disjointed piece brought to you by too much coffee and Starbucks.