Jalepenos and Jack Daniels

There is a lack of comprehending, on my part, what most people find fascinating about eating spicy foods. Not only the mastication aspect of it, but when a petit young woman likes to eat jalapenos like tortilla chips. What is the big deal? Why do people stare and comment?

“Oh my god! How can you eat those like that?”

Hm, the action itself, pretty much answers those questions, doesn’t it? It’s food, it tastes good to me and I enjoy it. What’s more to know? Except that spicy foods are good for your health, so what’s the problem? No problem? Okay then, what's the fascination? Honestly, I have not yet composed these questions into an experimental environment, but I plan to…someday.

What I do know about jalapeños is that they contain a chemical called capsaicin. This substance is an intense irritant with plenty of healthy benefits to boot. Capsaicin has been known to aid in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and cancer; it lowers cholesterol, speeds up metabolism and is, also, good for fevers.

Considering social conduct, eating jalapenos—like chips—is not a proven "norm". I have known a lot of unruly, conservative types in my life. I have always been that person to do something different, not just because it was 'unusual', but because I enjoy things that most people neglect to enjoy, because it is not socially accepted. Or people are just worried about who is looking and who is judging; blah, blah! However, there are many people who enjoy the same things as I. So what is with the shock majority? The looks and laughs? Not that I would mind if there is an attractive guy handing over compliments due to my unusual love of jalapenos. I am just befuddled over the oohs and aahs. It is food, like, turkey and ham, and yet people are not so amused by those. Are those foods boring? Are they not good enough for the same attention?

It is kind of the same sense, for me, as Jack Daniels and scotch. Not that I am going to sit here and rant about the health benefits of alcohol, mostly because those seem to be only illusions. Though in what I have come to witness thus far in my ordering Jack Daniels at any bar, is that guys, boys and the few men alike turn their heads in awe. Girls and women, and bitches the same either cringe or will do a shot with me. Again, it's not an attention ordeal I just really enjoy the woody potency; that bitter strength of whiskey. I also love how well it goes with cola, though it’s also great on the rocks. Admittedly, if to choose for something on the rocks it would be scotch; love my Johnny Black.

When I finally get out to do some active field research, my answers will undoubtedly be revealed. Where would this field be? The bar? Questioning the bartenders, the customers, the regulars about their preferences. Pool halls even, or my friends from college. Horay research!