Pigeonholing

People are sometimes defined by their hobbies and interests. I sense that a new definition is building up around me – two interactions in as many days point to this conclusion…

Health food person: Those soybeans didn’t come in for oj.
J: That’s ok. There’s no rush. He just wants them for making tempeh.
Health food person: [puzzled pause] … but … I sell tempeh!
J: Yeah, I know… he just… likes making fermented foodstuffs.

Friend on the phone: Oh hello, I thought of you today. My pickles have grown a little mould on top. I’m just going to scrape it off and carry on… but I just saw this mould and thought of you.

Which I found not exactly flattering, but interesting at least. Not many people can claim ‘mould’ as a substance that puts their friends in mind of them.