A Jelly Good Time Was Had

In order to keep busy/moderately sane during the summer break, I did a spring clean out of the house. I find throwing out crap gives me a feeling that I would equate to eating fat free soul food...if such ambrosia existed.

While sorting through the stuff I have stored in the garage, I found a sash I was once awarded:

Sweet, sweet memories washed over me, memories of 60 litres of raspberry jelly.

Let me explain...

Several years back I was down in Christchurch on a seminar. My brother was living there at the time so I was staying with him for the week. On the last day of my stay we were invited to attend a themed party held by some local Teacher's College students.

I normally avoid theme parties like I avoid amoebic dysentery or touching polystyrene (I have a thing) but a 'debauchery' party sounded like too much fun to miss.

There was the 'private' tepee sauna, the toilet covered in strategically placed mirrors and there was the jelly wrestling pit.

After watching a couple of guys flail about in the jelly the gathered crowd became understandably restless. The chant of 'Jelly chicks! Jelly chicks!' rang out. Not keen to disappoint, the party hosts started asking around all female party goers whether they'd be up for a round. They approached me to which I had to respond "Ya'know...I'd love to, but I leave Christchurch tomorrow and don't have a change of clothes" To which they responded "We have spare clothes you can use" To which I responded, "I'm in!"

Only one other woman was keen for a wrestle and when I came back outside from getting changed I found the gym bunny flexing and posing in front of a salivating crowd.

I stood there staring in disbelief until I heard my brother yell 'Geez Meredith, do a kick or something!". Now, a little context if you will. A few weeks earlier I had graded for my brown belt in karate.

Heh. Hey gym bunny...its wabbit season.

So, yeah, I threw out a perfect head high round kick and dropped straight down into the splits. With the grass covered in jelly I was able to slide up to a standing position.

The party goers went berserk.

As I stepped inside the wrestling ring my opponent charged at me. What does one do when charged? Perform a leg sweep of course. As she fell to the ground, I pinned her down and waited for the judges to call the win. Given the 7 seconds it took me to win my jelly wrestling round, I was humbly and yet appropriately presented with the above sash....and a drink.....ma'am.

Ah...good times.