When In … Columbus

Surprisingly I’m not a big donut fan, I’ll take cupcakes over them any day of the week. However Columbus has turned me into a donut lover. I introduce to you guys, Destination Donut. Oh my gosh! How can a donut be light and fluffy but taste seven levels of amazing? Lord knows if I had the answer to that, I’d be a billionaire. Since this would be my first meal, I thought I would keep it light and go for what would be the ‘safe’ choice Vanilla. (Insert Joke)

This dueling vanilla was anything but ‘vanilla’. The first bite was amazing. So good, it was better than any Krispy Kreme or gourmet donut would could name. If vanilla isn’t your flavor maybe these are.

-Tristan Jonez

Mayan MC.

To say I’m excited, is an insult to my vocabulary. Words aren’t adequate to describe accurately how I’m currently feeling in this moment. Since Sons of Anarchy, has dissipated, I’ve been without a rage fueled, violent packed, emotionally invested show. Although I would love to watch ten years of SOA, it was definitely time for the show to be concluded. I’d rather it choose to end, then to fuck up its legacy because it’s run out of ideas to sustain its fan base.

Mayans MC will be premiering Sept 4, and I nearly cried when I found out. Shout out to thebotchwayshow on instagram. I don’t watch television in the traditional sense anymore so my heart literally jumped out of my chest. Kurt Sutter, the writer and director, will forever be the love of my life. He makes great television, the kind of tv that make you laugh, cry and feel like one of the family. I know, I’ll stop drooling but this is MAJOR. Although there’s articles about what to expect, I’m not reading any of it. I want to fall for the Mayans in the same way I fell for SOA, with a genuine love for them.

Tristan Jonez

PS. I’m Low (high) key so excited to see Richard Cabral back on my television screen. I hate/love him. He’s such an amazing actor, and for that reason alone, I KNOW this show will be a major contender for the fall line up.

Flower Power

In my next trick, I will be a floral photographer. I’m always super excited when the light hits a flower just right, when I have company, a bee/an insect, who is admiring the art just as I am, or just after it’s rained and the beads of water have yet to fall. San Jose doesn’t owe me a thing! Every single sidewalk, walkway and park was bursting with fresh flowers, even dying flowers but there’s beauty in death. It’s a goal/dream of mine to host a gallery of my photos. I’d like to believe I can do wonders, and what better way to show them off then putting them ALL on display. I can’t wait until I return to San Jose, California. There’s still so much for me to capture. Tristan Jonez

When?

When did we get into the habit of glossing over the ‘struggle’? I find that folks are so eager to show that they are winning, that it creates unrealistic expectations so when you do lose, personally, you lose your fucking mind. We know, with all forms of social media, you have to keep up airs, stay put on but isn’t that exhausting? Now don’t get me wrong, who the hell wants to solely focus on failures? Nobody. That’s a depressing place to be, but shit happens, right?

I want to create a place of equal balance. A place where we celebrate the lows just as fiercely as the highs. Now maybe I won’t be the actual person to create this haven I’m looking for but i do want to play my part. So although I do believe I vocalize my lows and highs equally, I will be more aware of the content I put out. Just as often as I scream men ain’t shit but fuck boys, I’ll turn around and showcase men who have the qualities that’ll make your knees buckle.
Balance.

T. Jonez

Ego Fragility

Ladies, I will continue being an advocate for doing whatever you want. For placing yourself first, because when you’re super sweet as pie, folks think they can treat you however they see fit. That notion no longer work for me. I am not here to cater to the male ego, why should I? Why should you? So y’all know I’m attempting to date. I’m open to other races, and ages, etc. I’m opened to dating folks who aren’t my usual go to per se. I’ve struggled with how to tell men I’m just not interested, but I would prefer a soft blow over anything else. So recently chatting with a man, who I wasn’t interested at all. I responded with pleasantries but why waste time, providing false hope when I have no interest. I laughed at the response. I mean how could I not? You’re not interested yet you went out of your way to gain my attention. I could’ve respected, him not responding, or even, a “Good Night” in return. We as women have been conditioned to support the male ego, let them down softly, try not to reject them, and if you do, put the blame on you. Nope! Although I will forever be respectful in my dealings, protecting your (fragile) Ego will never be my concern.

Tristan Jonez

Mother’s May I

Although I know Y’all are living it up in New Orleans for #EssenceFest I save this gem for the last day. Believe me, I was only thinking of your best interest, cuz if you’d experience this restaurant on Day One, nothing else would’ve mattered. Hands Down. Toes Down. Some of the BEST fried chicken, I’ve ever had in my thirty two years of living. From the seasoning, to the level of crisp, it was all perfectly crafted. Disclaimer, if you are starving, this dish will take at least twenty five minutes to cook, as they fry it fresh! Secondly, Ever had bread pudding? I had NEVER experienced bread pudding, and I know, I’ll never eat it anywhere else but Mother’s. Yeah, I’m loyal like that. I was a bit hesitant to try it, as the dish has fruit baked in (not usually a fan of baked fruits) and the texture weirds me out BUT HONEY, I’m. Obsessed. From the first bite, my tastebuds rejoiced! Its drenched (?), no it’s smothered (?) with a warm, and very rich whiskey glazed sauce that will almost certainly have you licking the plate. Unfortunately I had to practice having some class so I didn’t partake, however it is worth taking a to go box so you can do as you wish in the privacy of your home. Promise me, you will not leave NOLA, without sampling everything amazing that Mother’s has to offer.

Tristan Jonez
FYI Do not let the line outside, question if you should wait, you definitely should!
Mother’s Restaurant 401 Poydras St.

When In … Nashville

Let’s talk about Nashville.

I can definitely understand why Nashville is being hailed as the “New Vegas”. Last month I was able to experience most of what Honky Town (their words, not mine) had to offer. As y’all know every month, a destination is chosen, then my fly sister and I partake in the culture of said city. I must say, it was an interesting trip, at the least. Do you know how much trouble one can get into in Nashville? Tons babe! Side note: Be open-minded, and don’t be sober for too long.

After walking up and down the bar strip, we FINALLY found a bar that played Hip Hop/R&B, bonus its the rooftop. Double bonus is the famous Nudie’s Honky Tonk! Just know alcohol is definitely liquid courage, it helps you to live outside of your head. {DISCLAIMER: Know your fucking limit when drinking!} I had a great time, dancing, and vibing to the music. I believe always being in control and in charge of my life, sometimes leave me forgetting to enjoy the moment I’m currently in.

What city has helped to release your Inhibitions?

Tristan Jonez

Self-Sabo.

Low Key (High Key) I think I’m sabotaging my dating life by entertaining men who couldn’t possibly be good for me. Men who couldn’t give me half of what I am looking for, attracted to me, with the gift of gab, that’s who gets my attention. Ugh. Men who I know don’t deserve my attention, somehow captures it and when they eventually disappoint me, I’m hesitant to cut them off. Double Ugh. I’m sadden to know I’m bringing these horrid habits to a new city. Since I’m aware of the poor choices I am making, I am scaling back a bit from dating.

Don’t worry I’m still going to date but how about we try dating with purpose. Although I loathe writing a long list of what I am seeking in a guy, but maybe that’s exactly what I should be doing. I should have a clear understanding, but flexible, vision of what I’m looking for in an partner. God so help me, if I get carried away, and have a list of fifty thousand requirements. So to be sure I don’t get to carried away once I write down my ‘list’ I’ll post it. I know I know, scary right? And super super personal, but you guys are worth knowing all the intimate details of my life, since I already over share my shit.

Tristan Jonez

FYI – Wish me Luck! XOXO

Journal Entry 101

Now that I’m a flight attendant I realize just how short life really is. I’ve never been afraid of flying, my favorite part is take off, which surprisingly is one of the most critical phases of flight. To quell, some of the fears that are usually under the surface, I’ve started capturing as many moments as I possibly can. I take photos with my crew, with the airplane, when I’m seeing the city I’ve flown into, with passenger if they love me enough. I truly understand now, that life is what you make it, so I’m trying to make mine the best ever.

What, if any, was the moment you realized life didn’t stretch on as far as you believed? And how did you remedy that?

Jonez

Viva La Puerto Rico

There’s something about the Caribbean, Puerto Rico in particular that I will always be connected to. At times, I’m about to recognize influences in the art, the food or the culture so it’s not surprise I’m smitten with he artist known as Carlos Rolòn. I was fortunate enough to catch his art at the New Orleans Museum Of Modern Art. Flowers will forever be my weakness but then he painted them on an 24K Gold background and it’s almost as if my eyes can’t decide where to look first. The art is set in a dimly lit room with stark white walls, that looks smilies to sand but I could be reaching. Leaving the exhibit, I felt as if I had been brought to the sands of Puerto Rico.

Tristan J

Family Matters

Everyone isn’t fortunate to have a family that cares, that makes an effort to be there. Fortunately, my family has been there for me religiously especially in this year of great change for me. I believe my family has really connected with one another, and it’s the great feeling of being surrounded by love. We recently connected for my nephews graduation, ( Here we come first grade) but the night before was mask day. Cuz the family who masks together stays together.

FYI, we’re a family of skincare.

Save Yourself.

Even now, I still sometimes give my power to a man. I’ll let him decide if he should dump me, if this “relationship” isn’t working for him, if he’s done. Well fuck that. I’m tired of being as polite as I can, speaking softly as to not step on the fragile male ego and for what? For them to believe they are who is in control?! Nah I’m done with that. A relationship is to be mutually beneficial and if it isn’t, well then Maybe I need to be the one to step.

I’m tired of men thinking their behavior is acceptable just because the last chick didn’t correct it. As I get older, I find myself less inclined to protect the male ego. What about my own? Laying down on the sword, becomes painful after the first time. If a man, especially one you are dating, can’t see how his behavior is affecting you, then that’s not a man you should engage with. This seemingly amazing human was single for a reason, the reasons JUST became clearly obvious to you.

Save Your Damn Selves.

Tristan J.