Zach Fleury and the Jacob Syntax

While we were in Seattle we drove up to Queen Anne and visited Brett, the Tea Man. (Click his name for a story I wrote about him in November, 2004). Brett prepared some Wen Shan Bao Zhong tea for our tasting pleasure. He described it as a low oxidized tea that’s classified as an oolong, but he also said some people place it in a class of its own–somewhere between green tea and oolong. Not being a tea expert, I classify it as yummy.

George bought 4 oz, which Brett lovingly labeled with both the English name and the Chinese characters. We bought several other varieties, and Luke bought some, too. With our fragrant loot in hand, we exited the Tea Cup and had almost reached our car when Grace pointed toward the corner and said, “Hey! It’s the beautiful Zach Fleury.”

Arrested by the sound of his name, the man himself spun to face us, and a friendly grin lit his face. With his Orapin Thai carry-out containers in hand, he crossed the street and made the family’s acquaintance.

Thus we met the beautiful Zach Fleury. It was a grand and auspicious occasion, right there in the middle of Boston Street.

Zach is a word guy, so naturally our whole family loved him. In fact, he and Luke experienced an instant bond of brotherly banter that was breathtaking to behold. As cars inched their way around our garrulous group (I don’t know why we didn’t move to the sidewalk–I guess we were too occupied with prolixity for practicality), we convinced the beautiful Zach to regale us with his rap. (You–yes, even you–can read this masterpiece HERE.)

The boy can flow, y’all. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. And, surprisingly, no one got run over.

Which brings me to the Jacob Syntax. (Yes, there’s a connection. Work with me, people.)

From time to time, I’ve quoted various Jacobisms–
“You look like a sea bass to my eyes.” (in reference to Stefanie Watson. Don’t ask.)
“I hope it will be sweet to our stomachs.” (in reference to a cake he was helping George bake.)
“It is (a big deal) to my mind’s eye.” (in reference to dropping food on the floor)

This peculiar phraseology is unique to Jacob, but we never had an official name for it before the beautiful Zach Fleury dubbed it The Jacob Syntax.

And so, in closing, I’ll share the newest addition to The Jacob Syntax Lexicon. Today when Rusty brought Jacob home, Jacob opened the fridge and poured himself a large glass of orange juice. As he guzzled it, I said, “Jacob, if you’re thirsty, you should drink water.”

Jacob lowered the glass and bellowed, “No! Water is like drugs to my throat!”

Okie dokie then.

I guess I should go finish making dinner. I’ll let you know if Jacob’s throat has an adverse reaction to the drugs he’ll be drinking.

Have a great weekend, journal friends! ♥