Sometimes, jellybeans can be as problematic as they are delicious. There’s a flavor called French vanilla, which, believe me, is quite spectacular by itself, but even better when paired with raspberry or blueberry. The latter two flavors are nothing extraordinary on their own, but when paired with French vanilla they create a wonderful flavor combination.

This, however, leaves us eaters with a dilemma. We must pick which flavor to eat with the French vanilla, and this is not as easy as it sounds. You see, if we use all of the raspberry, we will certainly be content, but all of the blueberry jellybeans will certainly not taste as good afterwards and sooner or later we tire of the repetitive taste of raspberry and vanilla. The reverse option is quite the same, with the lonely raspberry beans left stranded in the jar.

Well, you say, I would simply eat half with one flavor and half with the other. But, my friend, it is not so simple. For once we have eaten all of the vanilla beans and left half of the raspberry and half of the blueberry behind, the best option we can muster is to combine the raspberry and the blueberry and eat these together to finish off the trio of flavors. The solution seems sensible, and to anyone who doesn’t give it a second thought, would be fine until the first taste. Alas, it seems that the blueberry beans and the raspberry beans are much too sour to be placed together; they do not mix well. Their stubborn individualities are unwilling to yield and mix. Unlike the vanilla bean, whose smooth flavor blends nicely with either, the berries remain tart and uncompromising.

The last solution, which seems to be the best, is still leaves much to be desired. The blueberry beans may pair with the peanut butter beans, leaving two equal pairs. However, as anyone who has eaten peanut butter can testify, this combination is simply not as wonderful as vanilla and blueberry.

Jellybeans, then, are often cruel, forcing us to choose between two options that are each as undesirable as the other. Sure, in a fantasy world where the rules are bent we would have enough vanilla for both berries, but we are bound by the constraints of reality, limited by unchangeable factors.

The lesson learned, here, of course, is that trios never find happiness. One will always be forced to choose between the blueberry and the raspberry, for no matter how hard we try, choosing both never quite pans out the way we’d hoped.

So I decided just now that I really want to visit this place: the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, CA. Maybe a spring break trip to California is needed? :)

It’s six ‘o clock in the morning and I’m sitting here typing this paper that’s due on Monday. I don’t really know what I’m doing, all I know is that I’m happy.

My best friend is over on the next bed, snoring really loud, a sound that has come to comfort me over time. It helps to know that someone will always be there for you, to listen to your problems, and let you help with theirs. Or drink with you, and be there to put the trash can in the right place. Or throw the best birthday party ever (more on that later).

Yeah he makes stupid decisions sometimes. And yeah, he’s kind of goofy. But hey, he puts up with all of my shit (which is a lot worse) so I couldn’t ask for anyone better.

His snores are like toasted marshmallow…the jelly bean that is. It gives me that comforting feeling and just makes me content. So I lay here and smile, and type away.

Thanks, bud; thanks for being my toasted marshmallow.

P.S. no homo so don’t even start.

Hi all!

Welcome to the jellybean jar, my little blog about the randomness of life…especially mine. I don’t really know what I’m doing yet but I just plan to put up some stuff that has been floating around in my head for a while.

Ever notice how life is like jellybeans? Every experience, every person, is like one of those crazy flavors, or even a blend thereof. Some go together well, like cherry and cream soda, some, like licorice, only appeal to certain people.

As long as we keep life colorful and fun, we can always be optimistic (just don’t expect me to be…sometimes life is a grey sardine-flavored bean). So smile and read, and I hope you enjoy your taste of the Jellybean Jar; find something you like.

happy tastings, -Ty