Jelly Talk

I’ll begin by explaining the word Jelly….Jelly is like no word you’ve ever learned. It defies all rules of grammar. Although, it is most commonly used to refer to your stomach, it can be conjugated as an adjective, a verb and/or a noun. It can be combined with other words and the possibilities are endless…

Jelly (adjective)- “Whoa! These cheese quesadillas are  JellyLiscious!”

 (JellyLiscious= Jelly + Delicious) 

Jelly (verb)- “Oh you know, I’m just Jelling at the “all you can eat sushi café”…"

(Means you’re stuffing your face)  

Jelly (noun)- “Peter and Mary are such Jellies!”

(These two fellows are avid food lovers)

Being considered a Jelly is an honor. One should take pride! It means you value good eating, friends, family, laughter and good times. “Jelly” is NOT meant to bee insulting or demeaning; it advocates a healthy life style, it is endearing and INSPIRING in many ways.

For example…a lovely, friendly and tough looking bartender introduced me to a shot of “RumChata.”  Basically, it is Rum mixed with Horchata, “rice water”- a type of Mexican drink made with rice, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and water. A perfect beverage for a hot day!

Anyway, after taking a shot of the milky concoction, my Jelly began to think! The sweet, semi-boozey, white liquid would be excelent as a glaze for pancakes or cinnamon rolls! Ooohh yeeeaahh…this was exciting (thus a second shot of it)!

Now, the only issue I foresee is the RumChata being too runny. I’ll need to thicken it up! I’ve shared my idea with some people and they suggested using flour. Although, that would probably help, there’s got to be something else I can use. Rice?!? Pasta?!? (Nah, that sounds gross!)

I want my (warm)  RumChata glazed cinnamon rolls to be as healthy and delicious as possible! So let the trial and errors (swear words) in the kitchen begin…

Suggestions are welcome!

It’s Cool to Meet you!

The environment, rhythm and pace of the salon was comfortable, despite the chance of feeling "out of place." It lacked the "fancy,"nose up in the air feel of previous places I'd been to. Instead, I was greeted by red walls with black diamonds, electric guitars, an antique soda dispenser and skull coasters.

Over a two and a half hour mani-pedi, I had the chance to meet (and get to know) a cool,captivating and engaging "Punk" girl. Although she was only 23, she carried herself with greater maturity. She was well spoken and our conversation was thought provoking. As I tapped my foot to what she claimed were some of her favorite tunes, (music I’d never heard) I asked questions. Lots of them! This is common for me, especially if a person is open to share. 

We discussed our current professions, her ideal job, her passions and hobbies. I was enthralled by her interest in horror movies and her desire to teach. She declared her "dream" is to become a Sociology professor, focusing on the culture of horror films. I have never been a fan of scary movies, but I appreciated her excitement and she had my attention. 

I hypothesized what her class would be like. I asked her about the hypothetical structure of the course and how she would develop her syllabus. Her passion was exquisite,creative and fulfilling. I felt I’d hit the jackpot when it comes to alluring interaction with another being; someone “different” from me, to say the least.

She was intrigued by my different jobs (PR, butcher, balloon decorator, dog walker, entrepreneur,etc.) and surprised at my laid-back, “chill” demeanor, especially when she found out I grew up in a suburb of the infamous “North Shore.”  Meanwhile, my little head was spinning with different ideas, questions and excitement of my new found "friend."

I would say the 45 minute tardiness to my date (I think that's what it was?!?), due to my over extended “visit,” was justifiable! I had great stories to share and the experience to connect and learn from someone I might have passed on the street but never met, was not only priceless but also timeless. 

I’ll definitely be going back for another adventure (I mean mani-pedi)!

...and it begins...

I can vividly recall the exact moment in 5th grade when, which perhaps was the first time, I decided I wanted to grow up and fully "live".

It was during an assembly, sitting in the first row of the uncomfortable wood bleachers in a packed gym. I must have been 9 or 10 and spoke little English. I had been in the States for less than a year and a translator assisted me with the monumental language barriers through out the day.

I understood bits and pieces of what the presenter; a tall, handsome and well built man narrated, nevertheless, his presence and demeanor were effectively communicated. Words were definitely lost in translation, but the impact he left in me was not. 

While consciously his message of being someone, inspiring others, being good to oneself, and the cliché living every day to the fullest was not always  present, I believe it constantly, unconsciously remained in the back of my mind. 

Now, at the age of 27, it has become apparent that his message resonated and evolved. It became essential to who I am. 

I am a "do it all." I am the "I love to have fun!" I am the "laugh til you're crying" and the "don't stop and give up!" I am the "lover of memories, a moment and a good time." I am a fool and a thinker and a smart-ass most times. 

So it is with pleasure, gratitude and humbleness that I begin to write...