I’m already behind. I’m doing this thing called Think Kit. It’s a month of writing prompts to jump start your blog, and a local company called Small Box curates it. I did the first prompt, but dropped the ball yesterday when I received this:

What did you change your mind about this year? Was it a big deal – the way you feel about an issue? Or something small – maybe you learned to like Brussels sprouts? What was the moment or series of moments that changed how you felt? How did your friends or family react? Have you uttered the phrase, “I’ll never change my mind!” since then?

I like to think that I change all the time, a little bit every day, like adventure is in my blood. But as I read the prompt yesterday morning, afternoon, and evening, I couldn’t think of anything. Sure, I’ve made changes in my life, and I’ve had some big events this year, but I haven’t really changed how I think about anything.

Vegan fish and chips is all I have. When I became a vegetarian four years ago, I eschewed all fake meat products. If something was supposed to simulate meat, I was against it. Being a vegetarian, I thought and still think, means changing your diet, not substituting the same items with some tasteless ersatz. Then came the buts.

Both times, it involved a trip to Broad Ripple Brewpub with Stephanie Snay. First, she ordered the vegan sloppy joe. We were equally curious, but she was brave enough to order the childhood comfort food. After one taste, I decided to find a recipe, and I added it to my kitchen repertoire.

Earlier this year, she went for the vegan fish and chips. After examining the battered block of tofu, I decided, Why not? I’ve always been an adventurous eater, and though I thought becoming a vegetarian would limit my choices, it’s actually forced me to try more things. The vegan fish and chips tasted crispy and salty. But it wasn’t so much an imitation of fish as a spin-off, a different type of beast. This isn’t something I make at home. It’s one of those things like Yats’ B&B that you can’t replicate.